The research activities of the “Applied Metallurgy” group have a strong industrial impact and a clear orientation towards practical applications. They focus on the optimisation of metallic alloys, metal processing technologies, and heat and thermochemical treatments for the manufacture of components and products.
A further major research area is the analysis of in-service failures and manufacturing-related issues involving components, machinery and industrial plants (failure analysis). This work adopts an integrated approach to the assessment of design, manufacturing methods, operating conditions, and material degradation and failure phenomena, including brittle behaviour, fatigue, corrosion and wear. The aim is to identify the causes of failures and malfunctions and to contribute to improvements in product reliability, safety and performance.
The group’s research also extends to ballistics and the forensic investigation of explosions. In ballistics, particular attention is devoted to terminal and wound ballistics, including the study and optimisation of personal protective systems, protective materials and protective structures. Research on explosions focuses primarily on the analysis and reconstruction of accidental explosions and the detailed examination of the associated forensic issues.
Another important research area concerns the mechanical behaviour of metallic materials exposed to hydrogen-rich atmospheres, including at high pressures (up to 1,500 bar). More broadly, this work investigates the various forms of hydrogen embrittlement that may affect mechanical components in service.