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Over ons Praktische zaken Waar vindt u ons F. (Francesco) Maresca, PhD

Research interests

I am leading a research group (Multi-Scale Mechanics / MSM) that focuses on:

(1) fundamental understanding of structure-property relationship in materials by multi-scale (atomistic and continuum) modelling methods for dislocation plasticity, phase transitions and fracture in alloys;

(2) application of multi-scale modelling approaches to address key challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement and liquid metal embrittlement of steels; functional fatigue of shape memory alloys; wear of zinc-based coatings; strength/ductility trade-off in complex concentrated ("high entropy") alloys.

My group is currently hosting one Postdoc, 4 Ph.D.s and several M.Sc. and B.Sc. students that investigate the breadth and depth of the above research challenges by using:

(1) Atomistic modelling approaches:
- Molecular Dynamics (MD);
- Density Functional Theory (DFT).

(2) Micromechanics modelling approaches:
- Crystal Plasticity (CP) based on Finite Element Method or spectral (FFT) solvers;
- Discrete Dislocation Plasticity (DDP) simulations (in collaboration with Prof. E. Van der Giessen);

(3) Scale-bridging techniques:
- Machine-learning (ML) techniques to develop DFT-accurate potentials for MD simulations;
- Computational homogenization techniques to determine macroscopic materials response based on micromechanics simulations.

I am recognized worldwide for my contributions to the field of multi-scale modeling of plasticity and damage initiation in multi-phase steels, for my work on atomistic and multi-scale modeling of martensitic transformations in steels, and for solute strengthening theory in body-centered-cubic high entropy alloys.

I have received, among others, the following recognitions:

(1) Biezeno award 2016 for Solid Mechanics: Best PhD thesis in Solid Mechanics in the Netherlands, granted by KIVI Mechanics &  Engineering Mechanics Graduate School; 

(2) Young Academic’s award 2016 for “the best PhD thesis in Europe in the field of metallurgy and materials science of steels” (granted by Stahlinstitut VDEh Düsseldorf, Germany)

(3) I was nominated Emerging Leader 2021 by the Editorial Board of the journal Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering.

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Publicaties

An effective anisotropic visco-plastic model dedicated to high contrast ductile laminated microstructures: Application to lath martensite substructure

An integrated experimental-numerical study of martensite/ferrite interface damage initiation in dual-phase steels

Atomistic simulations of structure and motion of twin interfaces reveal the origin of twinning in NiTi shape memory alloys

Correction: Screw vs. edge dislocation strengthening in body-centered-cubic high entropy alloys and implications for guided alloy design

Efficiency, accuracy, and transferability of machine learning potentials: Application to dislocations and cracks in iron

Influence of orientation-dependent lath martensite yielding on the hardening behavior of quenched martensitic steels

Present and future of atomistic simulations of dislocation plasticity

Atomistic fracture in bcc iron revealed by active learning of Gaussian approximation potential

Efficient, Accurate, and Transferable Machine Learning Potentials: Application to Dislocations and Cracks in Iron

Predicting dislocation density in martensite ab-initio

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Pers/media

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Theorie maakt vinden nieuwe legeringen gemakkelijker

Finding new alloys just became simpler