Francesco Danzi is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Merced. His research explores the interplay between topology, geometry and dynamics in mechanical and aerospace systems, with a focus on architected materials, nonlinear vibrations and structural optimization. By bridging concepts from continuum mechanics, graph theory and multiscale modeling, his group develops predictive frameworks to understand and control energy flow in hierarchical structures — from simple oscillators and lattices to complex metamaterials.
Danzi’s work addresses fundamental challenges in how topology and coupling influence the dynamic response of mechanical systems. His recent efforts include graph-based topology optimization (GERM) for structural design, trace-based scaling of composite and lattice materials, and the modeling of energy exchange in dynamical systems. His lab combines analytical modeling, numerical simulations and experiments to uncover mechanisms of localization, energy pumping and stiffness tunability — enabling applications in aerospace structures, vibration control and adaptive materials.
Through his research and teaching, Danzi aims to establish a unified framework that connects structural dynamics, optimization and material architecture to advance next-generation aerospace systems.
Research interests: optimization, composite structures, nonlinear dynamics, vibrations, fluid-structure interactions, mechanical metamaterials