People
Chiara Silvestri
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Faculty Listing
Office: Kaven Hall, 207D
Phone: +1-508-831-6671
Fax: +1-508-831-5808
chiara@wpi.edu
Educational Background
- M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico of Milan, 2004
- Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2008
Research & Teaching Interests
- CE 2002 – Introduction to Analysis & Design
- CE 4007 – Matrix Analysis of Structures
- CE 527 – Impact Strength of Material & Structural Crashworthiness
Research
My research interests include finite element (FE) modeling applied to different fields, from impact and structural mechanics to biomechanical applications. My current research includes a finite element modeling of the knee-thigh-hip for a 50th percentile male to investigate fracture mechanisms during a frontal car crash and propose new injury criteria for the human lower extremities. I am particularly involved in modeling the mechanical behaviour of biological materials, such as cortical bones, muscle, flesh and ligaments.
I also worked with optimization techniques, such as genetic algorithm (GA) in the past years, and my future research objective is to include GA to complement FE results.
Other areas of expertise are impact mechanics, nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis, nonlinear dynamics, structural design and analysis.
Recent Publications
Honors & Awards
- International Road Federation Student Essay Competition runner-up, 2008
- Ann Koby Legacy Nomination for the Boston's Chapter, 2007
- First Place, Graduate Research Poster Competition Award, 2007
- Special Award at "1st Aurora Student Design Contest", 2003
Years of Service at WPI
- 2009 Adjunct Assistant Professor
Professional Societies/Memberships
- Reviewer for the International Journal of Crashworthiness, SAE, TRB Occupant Protection Committee
- Member of the Occupant Protection Committee at the "Transportation Research Board"
- Member of Sigma-Xi
- Member of ASME
- Professional Engineering Qualification in Italy