The research group specializes in elasticity theory, thin-walled members and structural systems analysis, ship structures, wind turbine structures, composite and orthotropic materials including materials produced using additive manufacturing technologies. Research activities focus on the structural analysis of thin-walled structures, the development of elasto-plastic constitutive models, structural reliability and uncertainty assessment, as well as parameter identification and model selection using Bayesian methods. The comprehensive goal is to enhance the reliability, safety, and efficiency of engineering structures through the implementation of advanced numerical and probabilistic approaches.

• Elasticity theory
• Thin-walled beam theory
• Thin-walled beam structures
• Ship structures
• Wind turbine support structures
• Composite materials
• Plasticity theory
• Elasto-plastic constitutive modelling of orthotropic materials (sheet metals and additively manufactured metal components)
• Bayesian parameter estimation for constitutive and mathematical models
• Structural integrity and strength assessment
• Model uncertainty quantification
• Reliability model selection and assessment

Laboratories

• Mechanics Laboratory (setting up)
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems Laboratory

Equipment

n/a

Selected Projects

• IRI S3 – Development of Lightweight Polymeric Vehicle Body Components for Improved Energy Efficiency
• Deplanation and Distortion of Thin-Walled Cross-Sections
• Structural Strength Verification of the KPS-450-3-200 Traffic Sign Cantilever Structure

Selected Publications

• Andrade, D., Cvitanić, V., da Silva, L.S., & Rodrigues, D. (2025). Stress and strain anisotropy of CMT-WAAM 316LSi stainless steel: Characterisation and modelling. Construction and Building Materials, 493, 143274
• Perišić, S., Barle, J., Tomac, I., & Đukić, P. (2024). Automatic damping estimation via bootstrap technique and Bayesian analysis for mechanical system condition monitoring. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing
• Vukasović, M., & Pavazza, R. (2021). Flexural analysis of thin-walled laminated composite beams with arbitrary open sections and shear influence. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures, 29, 5041–5058
• Grubišić, V.V., Barle, J., Vlak, F., & Ban, D. (2020). Fractures on a drillship derrick: Evaluation and improvement. Engineering Failure Analysis, 118, 104792
• Barle, J., Grubišić, V.D., & Vlak, F. (2011). Failure analysis of a highway sign structure and design improvement. Engineering Failure Analysis, 18, 1076–1084

Awards

• Marko Vukasović . University of Split Award for Science (2018), awarded in the category of early-career researchers, research assistants, and postdoctoral researchers.

The Linear and Nonlinear Analysis of Thin-Walled Structures research group develops analytical, numerical, and experimental methods for investigating the mechanical behaviour of structures and materials. Its research activities span several interconnected areas.

 

The first research area focuses on the analysis of thin-walled beams and structures, including their applications in shipbuilding and energy systems. The second area is dedicated to composite materials, covering their modelling and analysis at both the micro- and macro-scale. The third research area addresses the plasticity of orthotropic materials, with particular emphasis on the characterization and constitutive modelling of the anisotropic elasto-plastic behaviour of sheet metals and metal components produced using additive manufacturing technologies. The research activities are extended to the development of advanced methods for parameter estimation in mathematical and constitutive models, model uncertainty quantification, and Bayesian model selection. The group welcomes collaboration with academic institutions, research centres, and industrial partners in areas including analytical and numerical modelling of thin-walled and composite structures, the development and numerical implementation of elasto-plastic constitutive models for orthotropic materials, and the development and application of methods for structural reliability and condition assessment, as well as parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification. The group is open to joint research projects, researcher mobility and exchange programmes, and the transfer of scientific knowledge into industrial practice.