The goal of the PhD program in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics is to train professionals and researchers capable of dealing with advanced and innovative topics in the field of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. Therefore, in-depth study of mathematical disciplines and of the fundamentals of mechanics are developed in parallel. These objectives are pursued through training activities on fundamental and technological aspects of the discipline, providing advanced theoretical/practical tools used in scientific/technological fields, even beyond the classical ones of Mechanics. Particular care is taken in the training of PhD students in modeling, numerical and experimental areas, with the aim of developing innovative design ideas, procedures, systems and technological solutions useful for systematically dealing with research and development activities of interest.
These activities are carried out in constant contact with teachers of the college and through collaborations with universities, research institutions and industries in the field, where periods of study and in-depth study are carried out (on average over 40% of the students of this doctoral program carry out a period of study abroad, AlmaLaurea 2025).
The research activities carried out in the PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics are divided into three multidisciplinary areas:
(i) Fluid-dynamics
(ii) Applied Mechanics
(iii) Mechanics of Solids and Structures
Examples of studies and applications: drag reduction with diluted polymer solutions, evaporation and droplet condensation, nanoscale interfaces, viscoelastic behavior of materials, bio-manufacturing mechanics of complex tissues, membranes and lipid vesicles, robotic and mechatronic systems, performance of self-propelled hydrodynamic bodies, molecular dynamics, nano-porous materials, interaction between acoustic waves and bodies solids, modeling of marine turbines, composite material braking systems, tactile perception of surfaces, micro-fluidic systems for heat exchange, fatigue resistance in rubbery materials.
The PhD degree in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics has proven to be a very high qualification for the entry of doctors in work, with particular regard to advanced research sectors, both in the public and private areas, even international. All Doctors who have obtained the title in previous years are placed in research and development areas, both integrated and specialized.
In particular, the typical expected employment opportunities concern:
- Research and development centers of companies with high technological content;
- National and international research bodies, public and private;
- Foreign (and national) universities;
- Management positions in companies characterized by high product innovation.
Statistics (AlmaLaurea, 2025)
1-YEAR EMPLOYMENT RATE: 92.3%
TIME SPENT TO GET 1ST JOB: 1.5 months
SECTOR OF ACTIVITY: public 58.5%, private 41.5%
NET MONTHLY SALARY: € 2300 |