Giuliano Pretti

Dr. Pretti's research focuses on the numerical modelling of materials undergoing extreme deformations, including soils and soft biological materials. These materials pose meaningful challenges for engineers, as large deformations and evolving geometries often render traditional modelling approaches ineffective. Further complexity arises from the multi-phase nature of the considered materials, where solid, fluid, and gaseous phases can coexist and interact, blurring the traditional distinction between solid and fluid mechanics.

To tackle these challenges, Dr. Pretti's work aims to advance and hybridise numerical methods capable of accurately capturing the highly non-linear and intricate behaviour of such materials. The primary goal of his research is to promote safer, more informed, and efficient engineering design, risk assessment, and decision-making in scenarios where conventional numerical tools fall short.

The long-term pursuits of Dr. Pretti's research group are to:

1. strengthen the theoretical foundations of state-of-the-art numerical techniques;
2. leverage these advances to extend their applicability to a broader range of complex, real-world problems;
3. translate methodological developments into quantifiable engineering insights, directly supporting practice and addressing industrial needs, fostering strong, mutually supportive synergy between advanced research and real-world applications.