Prof. Gaku Minorikawa
Educator (Student-research)
Hosei University

Prof. Gaku Minorikawa (Hosei University, Japan)

Aerodynamic noise generated by railway vehicles, caused by structures installed on the roof, not only affects the external environment along the railway but also propagates into the vehicle, reducing cabin comfort. This noise becomes more pronounced at higher speeds, making it one of the key challenges in railway speed-up. Exterior noise refers to the propagation of aerodynamic noise generated by structures, and its sources have been identified and predicted. In contrast, interior noise is a combination of acoustically propagating flow-induced aerodynamic noise and structural excitation caused by pressure fluctuations from wake vortices around the structures. These two phenomena, however, have not yet been quantitatively investigated.

In this study, the effects of aerodynamic noise generated by roof-mounted structures on the acoustic environment inside and outside the vehicle were experimentally investigated in a small low-noise wind tunnel, focusing on both source and propagation characteristics.

In addition, a simple aeroacoustic simulation was carried out to examine the characteristics of the noise sources and to compare the results quantitatively with the experimental data. The experimental model, tested in the low-noise wind tunnel, demonstrated that the influence of obstacle shapes attached to the top plate could be observed inside the model. Furthermore, the accuracy of the numerical simulation was confirmed using these experimental data. In the SNGR, although differences from the measurements were observed between top plate vibration and interior noise, the influence of obstacle shape showed the same tendency as in the experiments. To further verify the quantitative differences, conventional CAA was performed using LES-based fluid noise sources. The presence or absence of fluid-excitation components in the fluid noise sources affected the acoustic simulation results. For reliable quantitative evaluation, it appears necessary to simulate exterior noise and interior noise separately.

Educator (Student-research)
Hosei University

Professor Gaku Minorikawa has worked for a research division of a turbomachinery manufacturer for 6 years and Hosei university for 27 years. His special field is aerodynamic noise from turbomachinery and other industrial products. Another special field is a next generation aviation so called Urban Air Mobility. Gaku's startup has been established since 2021 and is developing gas turbine hybrid eVTOLs.

Giuseppe Cirelli
Student
Politecnico di Bari

Giuseppe Cirelli (Politecnico di Bari)

Reina G. (Politecnico di Bari)

di Maria E. (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology)

Inoue T.(Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology)

As underwater robotics continues to gain traction in fields such as environmental monitoring, oceanographic research, and maritime defense, the development of robust and efficient locomotion systems becomes critical for ensuring reliable performance in complex underwater terrains. This project explores the dynamic modeling and simulation of a compact, tracked crawler vehicle named Piccolo designed specifically for seabed navigation. Conducted as part of an undergraduate research initiative, the project emerged from the collaboration between the Robotic Mobility Laboratory and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Leveraging the capabilities of Hexagon’s MSC Adams suite, particularly the Adams Tracked Vehicle module, a detailed multibody dynamic model of Piccolo was developed to analyze its locomotion behavior under simulated underwater conditions (Fig.1). The simulation environment enabled accurate assessment of track–soil interaction, and system performance across a range of seabed compositions and slopes. Digital prototyping through MSC Adams proved to be a powerful tool for early-stage design validation, significantly reducing the need for physical prototypes and iterative testing. This workflow not only accelerated development but also provided valuable insight into key mechanical design parameters, enabling informed decisions during the conceptual phase. Moreover, the project highlighted the potential of simulation-based approaches for testing mobility strategies in environments where physical experimentation is costly, logistically challenging, or unfeasible.

This interdisciplinary research underscores the growing importance of highfidelity simulation tools in the development of next-generation underwater robotic platforms. By bridging theoretical modeling with real-world constraints, the project demonstrates how virtual testing environments can serve as a cornerstone for innovation in marine robotics, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and reliable technologies for underwater exploration.

Philip Ligthart
Educator
Stellenbosch University

Philip Ligthart (Stellenbosch University)

Prof. Gerhard Venter (Stellenbosch University)

Our work outlines the integration of MSC Apex and Adams into a final-year undergraduate finite element analysis module, aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical textbook problems and realistic engineering applications. A project was designed around the structural analysis of a quad bike suspension wishbone. The wishbone was an in-house replacement part for the actual quad bike component, and the aim of the project was to determine whether the replacement part was suitable. The load case was an extreme ramp scenario, with dynamic loads obtained from Adams simulations. Students modeled, validated, and tested the component using both experimental setups with strain gauges and numerical methods in Apex. For validation, the students had access to laboratories and full-scale wishbones in a simplified loading scenario. The project emphasized open-ended problem solving, experimental validation, and a real-world modeling workflow starting from manufacturing drawings and ending in a compiled engineering report. The project was assessed through peer review of the report, allowing students to experience both sides of the report writing process. Feedback indicated that students valued the realism, industry relevance, and practical nature of the task, which increased engagement and peer discussion.

Giulia Pascoletti, PhD
Educator (Student-research)
University of Perugia

Giulia Pascoletti, PhD
Educator (Student-research)University of Perugia

Occupational exoskeletons offer notable advantages in assisting workers, yet their performance heavily depends on properly fitting the human body. Poor fit may result in discomfort from high contact pressures or unstable harnesses, belt scrubbing, with a significant impact on user satisfaction and acceptance. To address this issue, the research group at the University of Perugia, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT, Genoa) developed a computational multibody (MB) model using Adams View, designed to virtually assess exoskeleton fit and comfort.

This model was created to simulate the interaction between an exoskeleton’s components and human body segments, thereby generating quantitative metrics for fitting assessment. A novel anthropomorphic Articulated Total Body (ATB) model previously developed was implemented, and the fitting performance was assessed by analyzing relative motions between body parts and the exoskeleton, and by calculating pressures generated at the shoulder region. Once appropriate outputs for comfort estimation were identified, a fine-tuning of the contact parameters between the human body and exoskeleton was performed. This calibration was based on pressure data from previous experimental studies on backpacks. The model was then validated using experimental results from the IIT, where the studied exoskeleton was originally designed.

Flexible components of the exoskeleton were modelled implementing a discretization method. Rather than applying a finite element model, the original geometry of the exoskeleton straps, two shoulder and two waist straps, was simplified by breaking them down into smaller segments. This discretization allowed the straps to conform to the anthropomorphic shapes while keeping computational demands low. The number of segments was chosen to balance adaptability with simulation efficiency.The developed MB model accurately represents human-exoskeleton interactions, making it a promising tool for improving the design and ergonomic performance of wearable assistive devices.

Educator (Student-research)
University of Perugia

Dr. Pascoletti received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, and the Ph.D. in Industrial and Information Engineering – all from the University of Perugia (Italy). She is currently Adjunct Professor and Research Fellow within the Department of Engineering at the University of Perugia (Italy).

Her research interests cover the study of numerical models (multibody and finite element) for machine design and optimization, with particular attention to industrial case studies and biomechanical applications (orthopaedic prosthetic devices and human body numerical models). Currently, part of her work is also dedicated to the study of statistical methods for shape analysis, focused on, but not limited to, bones’ shape; specifically, the main field of investigations are statistical shape models, morphing technique and principal component analysis

Carlo Desenzani
Educator
Politecnico di Torino

Carlo Desenzani (Politecnico di Torino)

Prof. Massimiliana Carello (Politecnico di Torino)

The work presented is part of an interdisciplinary project carried out by Politecnico di Torino’s student Team H2politO, formed by around 100 students coming from various engineering backgrounds as Automotive, Mechanical, Aerospace, Informatics, Electronics, Energetics, Mathematical, Mechatronics, and Industrial Design. The Team has stood out for years for the development of highly efficient vehicles, like the most recent IDRAzephyrus (Fuel Cell-powered prototype) and JUNO (ICE Urban Concept, fueled by Bioethanol), competing yearly with success at the Shell Eco-Marathon international competition, awarding minimization of fuel consumption in completing a given race course.

This interdisciplinary research underscores the growing importance of highfidelity simulation tools in the development of next-generation underwater robotic platforms. By bridging theoretical modeling with real-world constraints, the project demonstrates how virtual testing environments can serve as a cornerstone for innovation in marine robotics, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and reliable technologies for underwater exploration.

Carlo Desenzani
Educator
Politecnico di Torino

Carlo Desenzani (Politecnico di Torino)

Prof. Massimiliana Carello (Politecnico di Torino)

The work presented is part of an interdisciplinary project carried out by Politecnico di Torino’s student Team H2politO, formed by around 100 students coming from various engineering backgrounds as Automotive, Mechanical, Aerospace, Informatics, Electronics, Energetics, Mathematical, Mechatronics, and Industrial Design. The Team has stood out for years for the development of highly efficient vehicles, like the most recent IDRAzephyrus (Fuel Cell-powered prototype) and JUNO (ICE Urban Concept, fueled by Bioethanol), competing yearly with success at the Shell Eco-Marathon international competition, awarding minimization of fuel consumption in completing a given race course.

This interdisciplinary research underscores the growing importance of highfidelity simulation tools in the development of next-generation underwater robotic platforms. By bridging theoretical modeling with real-world constraints, the project demonstrates how virtual testing environments can serve as a cornerstone for innovation in marine robotics, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and reliable technologies for underwater exploration.

Yang Yang
Student (Student-research)
The University of Manchester

Yang Yang (The University of Manchester, Department of Science and Engineering, United Kingdom )

Dr. Kali Babu Katnam (The University of Manchester, School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, United Kingdom)

Zhenmin Zou (The University of Manchester, School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, United Kingdom)

Delamination can significantly deteriorate the performance of composite laminate structures. Accumulative experimental evidence confirms that inter-lamina short-fibre veils considerably improve laminate damage tolerance, primarily through energy dissipation. However, capturing the complete microscopic damage evolution within short-fibre veil toughened laminate remains experimentally challenging, and existing computational models failed to reveal the underlying damage mechanisms. Thus, this research aims to advance understanding of the veil's influence on delamination through developing a microscopic representative volume element (RVE) model characterising the short-fibre veil. A primary challenge lies in generating a short-fibre RVE using conventional algorithm to capture the veil's high fibre aspect ratios (>200) and in-plane isotropy while achieving a target fibre volume fraction (~10%) assuming perfectly straight, non-contacting fibres. This study presents a methodology using Digimat-FE to generate short-fibre PPS/Epoxy RVEs with fibre volume fraction of 10%. The influence of three critical variables: fibre aspect ratio, the RVE size to fibre length ratio, and the RVE construction method (single-layer versus multi-layer) is investigated. The results demonstrate that the multi-layer RVE approach, which allows fibres to span layer boundaries, enhances the maximum achievable fibre volume fraction compared to the conventional single-layer method. This robust RVE generation framework using Digimat is also shown to be extensible to complex multi-phase materials, providing a critical tool for future micromechanical analysis of veil/nanoparticle-toughened laminates.

Student (Student-research)
The University of Manchester

Yang Yang is a second–year PhD student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester, UK. His research focuses on characterising and modelling of veil–toughened polymer composite laminates. As a Hexagon Student Ambassador, he employs Hexagon Digimat to model the microstructure of non–woven short–fibre veil to advance his research

Erica Long
Student (Student-research)
Politecnico di Torino

Erica Long (Student, Student-research, Politecnico di Torino)

Residual stresses (RS) that develop in structural components due to manufacturing processes represent additional stress beyond those expected during the operational life of the parts. These stresses can compromise the components’ durability and structural integrity.

Being able to estimate the magnitude of such residual stresses during the structural analysis phase helps avoid overestimating the ultimate loads the components must withstand.

This paper focuses on a specific type of residual stress that arises from Friction Stir Welding (FSW) assembly processes. A digital simulation strategy is proposed to numerically reproduce the RS generated in the material close to the weld bead.

The simulation’s accuracy is assessed by comparing its numerical results with experimental data kindly provided by Thales Alenia Space Italia, a partner in this research. The simulation model is developed within the Simufact Welding software, by Hexagon, where the physical representation of the welding tool is replaced by a thermal load. Two simulations are conducted: in the first phase, the thermal load is modeled using two moving Goldak’s heat sources along the weld interface; in the second phase, a single equivalent heat source specifically developed for FSW and implemented via a user-defined subroutine is used to improve the accuracy of the results.

Keywords: Friction Stir Welding, FSW, Residual Stresses, RS, Simufact Welding, Goldak’s Heat Source, Double Heat Source, Subroutine

Student (Student-research)
Politecnico di Torino

My name is Erica Long and I am currently working as a structural analyst at Thales Alenia Space in Turin.

Back in 2019, I earned my high school scientific diploma, in order to continue my studies in engineering. I, then, earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in aerospace engineering (in 2022 and 2025, respectively) at the Polytechnic University of Turin.

During my university career, I often supplemented my studies with extracurricular activities that allowed me to enter the world of work. Specifically, during my third year of my bachelor's degree, I completed an internship at the "LGC – Ingegneria e Architettura" firm in Turin, which continued with a temporary employment contract for more than a year.

In September 2024, I began my master's thesis project at the Turin headquarters of Thales Alenia Space Italia, in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Turin and the company Hexagon. My thesis, the abstract of which I shared, was conducted in the field of research, attempting to obtain a digital simulation of the friction stir welding process by using Simufact software, provided by Hexagon.

Carlos Cardoso
Student
University of Aveiro

Carlos Cardoso (Student, University of Aveiro)

Bernardo Boto (Student, University of Aveiro)

Fábio A.O. Fernandes (Assistant Professor, University of Aveiro)

Integrating industrial-grade software into engineering education plays a central role in preparing students for real-world problem-solving. Within the curricular unit Simulation of Welding Processes at the University of Aveiro, master students in Welding and Mechanical Engineering are introduced to advanced numerical welding analysis using Simufact Welding. This learning approach addresses the long-standing challenge of bridging theory and practice, empowering students to transform physical concepts into measurable outputs.

Students are assigned projects based on case studies from scientific literature, which require them to reproduce reference results while critically analysing modelling strategies and limitations from computational cost to results accuracy. The workflow encompasses the complete simulation pipeline: geometry and mesh generation, mesh convergence studies, material and boundary condition definition, implementation of heat source models, and execution of thermal and thermo-mechanical analyses. Through this process, students experience the complexity of modelling non-linear welding phenomena, while simultaneously gaining knowledge about these, competencies in modelling, and critically interpreting and validating the results.

One representative project focused on the simplified finite element simulation of fillet welds [1]. Beyond reproducing results from the reference study, students assessed limitations and developed practical skills in model configuration, interpretation of results, and model validation, while exploring strategies and addressing challenges such as mesh refinement, computational cost, and the sensitivity of residual stress predictions. Visualising welding distortions and residual stress fields proved particularly effective in consolidating theoretical understanding of thermo-mechanical interactions observed in fusion welding processes.

The simulation’s accuracy is assessed by comparing its numerical results with experimental data kindly provided by Thales Alenia Space Italia, a partner in this research. The simulation model is developed within the Simufact Welding software, by Hexagon, where the physical representation of the welding tool is replaced by a thermal load. Two simulations are conducted: in the first phase, the thermal load is modeled using two moving Goldak’s heat sources along the weld interface; in the second phase, a single equivalent heat source specifically developed for FSW and implemented via a user-defined subroutine is used to improve the accuracy of the results.

Integrating simulation into coursework has demonstrated a significant impact from a pedagogical perspective. It fosters student engagement, promotes active learning, and develops critical thinking. By confronting computational challenges and bridging theory with

Student
University of Aveiro

Carlos G. S. Cardoso holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, where he later worked as a research fellow and strengthened his expertise in computational mechanics, particularly with finite element software such as Abaqus. He is now pursuing a PhD at the intersection of computational mechanics, sports science, and brain injury prevention. His research focuses on advanced finite element and multibody modeling of head impacts, especially in combat sports and among female athletes, with the goal of improving head injury prediction and assessing long-term sequelae such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and endocrine dysfunctions. Carlos collaborates with international institutions including the University of Delaware, the Federal Highway and Transport Research Institute (BASt), and the Portuguese Boxing Federation, integrating real-world sensor data, simulation validation, and machine learning. He is actively engaged in publishing scientific work, presenting at conferences, and developing injury risk metrics to advance athlete safety.

Roberto Di Bona
Student
University of Cassino and Southern Lazio
Italy

Roberto Di Bona (University of Molise, Italy)

Daniele Catelani (Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Italy)

Erika Ottaviano (University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy)

Domenico Gentile (University of Molise, Italy)

Gabriel Testa (University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy)

This work presents an application of co-simulation technology, the interaction between two simulations, acting in sync, considering Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) to a biomechanics case of study. Several approaches are available in the literature for the modelling and simulation of complex systems, examining also the interaction among different domains through a multi-physics approach. This work is related to the modelling, simulation, and testing of MBD-FEM co-simulation technology applied to human walking, in the presence of a hip prosthesis, providing insights for the development of a method for designing, analyzing, and studying a human prosthesis. Usually and traditionally, the hip prosthesis analysis and design are performed by considering static loads only. In this work, we explore the co-simulation technique to combine the MBD of the walking with the FEM of the hip prosthesis to analyze the effect of dynamic loads acting in an interacting environment. The promising results attest to the great potential this technology holds, and the necessity for the prosthesis designers to carefully consider the multi-physical properties of the problem, allowing design choices that are coherent with the problem.

Student
University of Cassino and Southern Lazio
Italy

Roberto Di Bona is a mechanical engineer currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. His research has focused on CAE simulations, starting from his curricular traineeship and continuing through his master’s thesis. He has utilized a portfolio of MSC Software, including Adams, Marc Mentat, and Cosim. Recently, he has developed applications using FEM-MBD co-simulation technology in various biomechanics case studies. Outside of academia, Roberto enjoys weightlifting and participating in medieval re-enactment

Giovanni Rognoni, PhD
Student
Politecnico di Milano
Italy

Jacopo Bardiani (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)

Giada Kyaw Oo D’Amore (University of Trieste)

Adnan Kefal (Sabanci University, Turkey)

Marco Biot (University of Trieste)

Claudio Sbarufatti (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)

Andrea Manes (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)

Understanding the dynamic response of naval structures subjected to underwater explosions (UNDEX) is crucial for offshore and marine engineering applications. This study presents a novel fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modelling strategy to simulate the vibro-acoustic response of hull structures impacted by far-field UNDEX, balancing computational efficiency and accuracy. A hybrid 1-D-3-D numerical approach is proposed: first, a 1-D spherical symmetric model is used to simulate the explosion and far-field pressure wave propagation; then, the results are remapped into a 3-D domain to model the near-field effects, FSI, and structural response. MSC Dytran is employed for UNDEX simulation and FSI, while Actran VI is used for the subsequent vibro-acoustic analysis. The method enables the assessment of structural deformation, induced vibrations, and structure-borne noise in a representative ship section, overcoming limitations of previous studies that focused only on simplified geometries or explosion scenarios. The findings highlight the importance of integrating vibro-acoustic evaluations into UNDEX analyses and demonstrate the advantages and limitations of the proposed approach in terms of computational cost and accuracy. Future improvements to enhance efficiency and applicability in industrial and research contexts are also discussed.

Student
Politecnico di Milano
Italy

Giovanni graduated in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture at the University of Trieste in 2019. From 2019 to 2021, he worked as a researcher at the same university, where he also started his Ph.D. in 2022, which Giovanni defended in March 2025. During that time, Giovanni spent 8 months at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada in the Autonomous Ocean Systems Laboratory. Currently, he is a postdoc researcher at the University of Trieste working at the Noise and Vibration Laboratory and involved in the research group MarTS. Giovanni’s field of work mainly involves ship structures static and dynamic, finite element analysis, noise and vibration control, and underwater radiated noise.