PRIN 2022 CALL. DECREE NO. 104 OF 2 FEBRUARY 2022
PROJECT TITLE: Innovative mathematical models for soft matter and hierarchical materials
CODICE CUP: D53D23006020006
Budget: € 95,970
P.I.: Giuseppe Puglisi
Heads of other research units:
Luciano TERESI University of Rome TRE
Luca DESERI University of Trento
Arsenio CUTOLO University of Naples Federico II
Brief project description
The project "Innovative mathematical models for soft matter and hierarchical materials" was aimed at developing multiscale mathematical models for the study of soft and complex materials, from biomaterials to nature-inspired hierarchical materials. The approach is interdisciplinary and integrates statistical mechanics, nonlinear continuum mechanics, multiphysics modeling, numerical simulation, experimental analyses, and physically grounded machine learning methods. The activities were organized along four research lines coordinated by the respective units: multiscale models for biological and polymeric materials (UR Poliba, PI: Giuseppe Puglisi), morphogenesis mechanics (UR Roma Tre), instabilities and wrinkling of soft materials on substrates (UR Trento), and cellular and multiphysics mechanics (UR Napoli). The project was funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
Purpose
The fundamental objective was to establish a direct connection between the macroscopic behavior of materials and their micro- and nanometric-scale properties, through combined theoretical, computational, and experimental analyses. The Research Unit of the Polytechnic University of Bari aims in particular to develop predictive models for bioinspired materials — with special attention to silk and the artificial fibers inspired by it — integrating statistical mechanics, phase-transition modeling, and physically grounded machine learning. The Poliba activities are part of Line A of the project, dedicated to multiscale approaches for biological and polymeric materials, with applications in the fields of advanced materials, engineering, and biomechanics.
Expected results
The activities of the Research Unit of the Polytechnic University of Bari aimed to develop multiscale analytical models capable of linking the molecular and microstructural structure of biomaterials to their macroscopic response. The expected outcome was the development of new physically based analytical tools for the constitutive description of the behavior of complex materials — including fibrous systems, protein-based materials, and soft materials subject to varying environmental conditions — as well as advances in the understanding of the mechanisms governing phase transitions, fracture, adhesion, and thermal fluctuations. In terms of dissemination, the production of publications in high-impact international journals and the creation of a stable scientific network among the groups involved were envisaged.
Achieved results (this section will not be completed for the PRIN 2022 projects subject to progression, as they are still ongoing)
The activities of the Research Unit of the Polytechnic University of Bari followed a coherent scientific path, linking statistical mechanics, nonlinear continuum mechanics, and multiscale modeling within a theoretical framework applied to the study of soft and hierarchical materials. The thermodynamic limits and the role of thermal fluctuations in multistable systems were clarified, with applications to fracture, adhesion, and phase transitions. A central line of research concerned the modeling of spider silk and bioinspired materials: supercontraction was interpreted as a humidity-driven solid-solid phase transition, and the coupled contraction-torsion response was traced back to a dual Poynting effect. Physically grounded machine learning approaches supported the development of interpretable analytical models for these complex systems.
On the experimental side, thanks to the project funding, an existing biaxial testing machine was upgraded with a temperature- and humidity-controlled climatic chamber, new sensors, and a stereo-DIC optical system, making it possible to acquire fundamental knowledge on the coupled effects of temperature and humidity on the mechanical behavior of the materials studied.
The results were disseminated through publications in high-impact international journals and contributions to national and international conferences. The project also fostered the building of a scientific network with other national research groups operating in related fields, consolidated through the organization of joint meetings among PRIN projects.
The project was funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
