Marco Alves

Project description

My PhD project aims to develop analytical models to predict the mechanical response of aligned and randomly-orientated discontinuous composites. These materials have a complex microstructure that can influence their mechanical properties, and studying the effect of these complex microstructures can allow us to choose optimal configurations that maximize different mechanical properties, tailoring discontinuous composites for specific applications. Furthermore, another aim of my PhD will be to analyze and model these materials under different loading cases, such as fatigue and impact.

Education

PhD Researcher at Imperial College London (2017-present).

Integrated Master, Mechanical Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal (2011-2016).

Research interests

Composite materials, fracture mechanics, analytical modelling, finite element analysis, non-linear dynamics

Personal note

Aside from my research interests, I really enjoy doing physical activities and sports in general Squash is my favorite sport and I have been playing it since a young age, although I like all racket sports in general. I also really enjoy travelling as it allows to get in touch with other cultures and get a different perspective of the world.