Prof. Neri’s research activity faced vibration analysis with numerical and experimental methods, with a particular focus on optical methods for the full-field measurement of material deformation in static and, most importantly, dynamic conditions. Prof. Neri also studied reverse engineering and 3D scanning problems, applied to human anatomy acquisition, with the aim of designing bespoke devices for rehabilitation. the full list of Publications is available through the links on the right.

Vibrations full-field measurement

Prof. Neri studied and developed systems for measuring full-field vibrations using Digital Image Correlation techniques, based on image processing. In this context, he was the winner of the University Research Projects call (PRA) as Principal Investigator (PI). As part of the project, he set up a measurement system based on conventional cameras (low-frame rate) capable of acquiring the vibration of mechanical components with a sensitivity of 10 µm and at frequencies of 6500 Hz, developing both the hardware and the data processing software. The technique has also been extended to the measurement of frequency ranges, overcoming the conventional limitation of purely sinusoidal excitation.

Structural dynamics

In the research field of structural dynamics Paolo Neri has established a solid collaboration with the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois, USA) focused on the dynamic simulation of cryomodules for particle acceleration, aimed at the design of the transport system and at the optimization of the operational performance. As part of this collaboration, he was the holder of various research contracts. Prof. Neri was awarded the Fellowship Program for Physicists and Engineers (University Research Association, fellowship grant n. #20-S-15). Furthermore, he has been designated as PI for the Materials’ Focus Area: Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering in the framework of a collaboration between the University of Pisa and the Superconducting Quantum Materials & Systems Center (SQMS, Fermilab). Paolo Neri will have to supervise the mechanical and dynamic characterization of the large dilution refrigerator that will be developed in collaboration with SQMS.

Reverse Engineering

As regards reverse engineering techniques and 3D scanning of anatomical parts, Paolo Neri has been designated as Task Leader within the European project Personalized recovery through a multi-user environment VR for Rehabilitation (PRIME-VR2, EU H2020). As part of this project, Paolo Neri was involved in the development of an innovative and low-cost 3D scanner to facilitate the acquisition of the geometry of human body parts, with particular reference to the upper limb, taking care of both the hardware and the software. The developed system was then successfully validated both in the laboratory with specimens and simulacra and in clinical centers with real patients.