Thematic Sessions

Neural networks have emerged as a robust alternative and a powerful complement to classical numerical schemes for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). Their inherent capability to approximate complex solution spaces makes them ideal for tackling high-dimensional problems, discretization-invariant operator learning, and inverse problems, which are often intractable for traditional numerical approaches. The primary objective of this thematic session is to disseminate recent progress in the fundamental mathematical and computational aspects of these techniques. The session will focus on the development of numerical methodology, convergence theory, and algorithmic efficiency. The Topics of Interest include, but are not limited to: • Fundamental Methods: Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), Deep Ritz methods, Deep First-Order System Least Squares, and operator learning approaches such as Fourier Neural Operators and DeepONets. • Hybrid Strategies: Combining neural networks with classical methods (FEM or Boundary Elements). • Mathematical Analysis: Convergence, error analysis, and optimization methodologies. • Parametric PDEs: Applications in uncertainty quantification and inverse problems. By emphasizing theoretical and methodological developments, we aim to establish a rigorous discussion about the capabilities, open challenges, and future research directions of neural networks for solving PDEs.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have burst onto the scene in our discipline, causing a revolution never before seen in its short history. Neural simulators and model reduction techniques, both linear and non-linear, scientific machine learning, etc., are now part of our everyday vocabulary. In this session, we aim to bring together the community working in this field and discuss the latest developments, along with the future that awaits us. We welcome contributions on topics such as (but not limited to) - Physics-informed ML - Discovery of constitutive laws by means of ML - Model Order Reduction - Neural simulators - Neural Operators - Generative AI - Reinforcement learning - ...

This thematic session welcomes contributions focused on the computational modelling of biological processes, particularly when the mechanical environment plays a defining role. It involves both physiological mechanisms and pathological alterations at different scales, from the sub-cellular level to the organ level. We aim to bring together researchers and engineers engaged on the development and application of computational and numerical methods to analyze, model, and predict the mechanical behavior of biological systems and biomaterials. Special emphasis will be placed on multiscale and multiphysics modelling approaches that integrate biological, chemical, and mechanical phenomena, bridging the gap between cell-level processes and organ-level responses, as well as to the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning into computational biomechanics. Studies involving predictive simulations for clinical decision-making, such as models based on medical imaging, are particularly encouraged. The session will serve as a platform for experts in biomechanics, mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and biomedical engineering, to present innovative approaches to computational modelling, fostering discussion and exchange across a broad range of topics, including: • Mechanobiological evolution of diseases • Tissue regeneration and remodelling • Hard and soft tissue mechanics • Cell mechanobiology • Tissue engineering, scaffold design and characterization • Optimization of implants, orthotics, and prosthetics • Human motion analysis and musculoskeletal modelling

Mechanotransduction poses demanding numerical challenges: multiscale coupling, strong nonlinearities, history effects, and data assimilation under noise. This TS invites contributions on numerical methods to measure, model, and control mechano-biological phenomena across cells, tissues, and organs, with applications ranging from development and cancer to fibrosis, aging, and regeneration. We welcome advances in formulations and discretizations—including standard and mixed FEM, isogeometric, enriched/XFEM, meshfree/particle methods, finite volumes, and boundary elements—with robust treatment of large deformations, growth, viscoelasticity, active stresses, and contact. Topics include time integration and thermodynamically consistent structure-preserving schemes; a posteriori error estimation and goal-oriented adaptivity; inference and control, inverse problems (adjoint, Gauss–Newton, variational regularization), Bayesian approaches, and uncertainty quantification (stochastic Galerkin/collocation, variance-reduction); as well as reduced-order modeling, physics-informed learning, and digital twins that fuse data with models

In the last decades, reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, timber structures and others have been widely used, with and without seismic provisions. In the last years the damages observed during earthquakes have clearly demonstrated that due to a different number of reasons, related with the design strategies, construction practices, influence of the non-structural components, lack of maintenance, among others. These problems have been well recognised by the research community, and therefore, in the last two decades there has been developed several advances on the analysis methods to support the design of new structures, and the assessment of existent ones provided the opportunity to adopt more sophisticated methodologies, with continuous evolution and improvements. This Thematic Session aims to collect works and discussions focused on the development and application of numerical methods for the of seismic design, behaviour and response analysis of new building structures, bridges and special structures, as well as numerical models for earthquake response simulation, assessment of existing structures, seismic retrofitting and strengthening of buildings, infrastructures, and lifeline systems, among other related topics.

This Thematic Session address both, the fundamental basis and the applicability of state-of-the-art particle-based computational methods that can be effectively used for solving a variety of problems inside the scope of fluid and solid mechanics including fluid-structure interactions. Significant advances have been made in discrete element method (DEM), smooth particle hydrodynamic method (SPH), particle finite element method (PFEM), material point method (MPM), moving particle semi-implicit method (MPS) and atomistic and quantum mechanics-based methods, among others. The coupling of these methods with standard numerical procedure such as finite element method (FEM), finite difference method (FDM) and also with meshless techniques are included in the scope of this TS.

Structural vibrations represent a critical field of study across all engineering disciplines, from civil and mechanical to aerospace and naval engineering. The dynamic behaviour of structures under operational or extreme loads is a key factor in their design considering either serviceability or safety conditions. As modern structures become more complex, due to the increase of slender together with the reduction of lightweight, the challenges associated with understanding and predicting their vibrational response demand increasingly sophisticated analysis and simulation tools. This thematic session is dedicated to the latest advancements in the numerical and computational modelling of vibration problems in structures. We aim to create a forum for researchers and engineers to share innovative ideas, methodologies, and findings. The scope of the thematic session is broad, encompassing topics such as linear and non-linear structural dynamics, structure-fluid and soil-structure interaction, and advanced techniques for vibration mitigation and control. We strongly encourage the submission of original research that highlights the development and application of computational methods to solve challenging vibration problems. Contributions may focus on novel finite element formulations, model order reduction techniques, stochastic dynamics, optimization algorithms for vibration control, and experimental validation of numerical models. This thematic session will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the current state-of-the-art and future trends in the computational analysis of structural vibrations, fostering collaboration and stimulating new research directions in this exciting field.

This thematic session aims to bring together researchers working on numerical methods applied to metal forming processes, with a particular focus on fostering the participation of early-career researchers and PhD candidates. The session will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, presenting recent advances, and encouraging constructive feedback in a supportive environment. The scope of the session includes, but is not limited to: Numerical modeling of plasticity and fracture, Formability limits and failure prediction, Microstructure evolution during forming, Bulk forming and forging processes, Sheet metal forming processes, Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in metal forming, Multiscale and multiphysics approaches, Experimental validation and inverse modelling. A key objective of this session is to create a welcoming space for young researchers to present their work, often for the first time, and to receive meaningful feedback from the community. We aim to promote interaction, discussion, and mentorship, helping to build confidence and foster collaboration across institutions and generations. This session continues the tradition of previous CMN editions focused on metal forming, while introducing new perspectives and contributors to ensure its relevance and vitality moving forward.

The main objective of this symposium is to bring together researchers and to generate interest in presenting papers on new approaches, in the field of optimization, metaheuristics and evolutionary algorithms in computational and civil engineering. The communications must address metaheuristics, evolutionary algorithms and other optimization techniques, applied in solving optimum design problems in computational and civil engineering and related topics [1, 2, 3]. Evolutionary algorithms are an interdisciplinary research area comprising several paradigms inspired by the Darwinian principle of evolution. The current stage of research considers, among others, the following paradigms: Genetic Algorithms, Genetic Programming, Evolution Strategies, Differential Evolution, etc. in addition to other metaheuristic paradigms such as Particle Swarm Optimization. Applications of these optimization methods and others, in computational and civil engineering are welcomed, both for single-objective and multi-objective optimization problems. Topics to be covered (but are not limited to) are: in the civil engineering area, contents related to structural design (e.g.: concrete and/or steel structures, etc.), geotechnics, acoustics, hydraulics, and infrastructure are welcomed. In the computational engineering area, related contents are mechanical and aeronautical engineering, renewable energies and reliability, among others. Development aspects such as considering surrogate modelling, parallelization, hybridization, performance comparisons among methods, etc., are encouraged.

At present, composite materials (especially carbon and glass fibre-reinforced polymers, CFRPs and GFRPs) are extensively used in a wide range of engineering applications. Thus, there exists an increasing demand for developing computational tools to obtain properties and study behaviour of composite material systems. From the mechanical point of view, diverse damage mechanisms may affect the performance of such composites. These characteristic damage scenarios are generally categorized as: (i) intralaminar damage events, e.g. fibre fracture, matrix failure, fibre-matrix decohesion, among others, and (ii) interlaminar failure, i.e. delamination, or debonding between adhesively bonded entities in engineering applications. Thus, predictive modelling tools allowing the accurate prediction of distinct failure scenarios in fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are desirable. It is also noticeable that the use of composites and their joints in primary structures has gained a great relevance in the last years. Thus, the aim of the thematic session is to share the latest developments on numerical tools used to model composites and their joints. Applications of existing tools regarding the characterization and behaviour of composites and composite structures are also welcome.

This thematic session is dedicated to recent advances in numerical modeling applied to multiphysical and multiscale problems in different areas of science and engineering. It will address both the development of new methodologies—such as finite elements, finite volumes, boundary elements, and high-order HDG formulations—and their application to complex cases: incompressible flows, wave propagation, porous media simulation, atmospheric and marine pollution, solar and wind energy, and forest fire propagation, among others. In addition to applications, contributions addressing key computational aspects such as load balancing in parallel algorithms, geometric accuracy in meshes, and the fidelity of numerical models will also be included. The aim of the session is to provide a multidisciplinary space for sharing theoretical, computational, and applied approaches that push the boundaries of numerical simulation in real and demanding contexts.

Functionally graded materials (FGM) are an advanced type of composites characterized by their continuously varying microstructure, thus providing a smooth properties’ variation without interfacial stress concentrations [1] and a relevant function of thermal barrier [2]. In parallel, auxetic materials, due to their negative Poisson’s ratios, are known to possess very interesting material characteristics, such as greater shear and fracture resistance, which lead to high impact resistance, energy absorption, and damping [3]. The potential synergy between auxetic materials and FGM promotes innovative design solutions characterized by advanced geometrical and material characteristics well beyond the ones achieved using conventional materials [4]. This Thematic Session aims to highlight the recent advances in the broad scope of the optimal modelling of auxetic and functionally graded composites and structures, as well as with their manufacturing. REFERENCES [1] P.S. Ghatage, V.R. Kar and P.E. Sudhagar, “On the numerical modelling and analysis of multi-directional functionally graded composite structures: A review”, Composite Structures, 236, 111837, 2020. [2] M. Koizumi, “FGM activities in Japan”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 28, 1–4, 1997. [3] X. Ren, R. Das, P. Tran, T.D. Ngo, and Y.M. Xie, “Auxetic metamaterials and structures: A review”, Smart Materials and Structures, 27, 023001, 2018. [4] C. Qi, F. Jiang, S. Yang, “Advanced honeycomb designs for improving mechanical properties: A review”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 227, 109393, 2021.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become a key enabling technology for producing complex, high-performance components with controlled precision and tailored functionality. Metal AM processes such as Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) present unique multi-physics and multi-scale challenges that require advanced modelling and simulation tools for process optimization and part qualification. The objective of this Thematic Session is to share recent advances in numerical simulation, experimental analysis, and data-driven modelling of AM processes at the component and part scales. The session aims to bring together experts from academia and industry to discuss predictive and efficient computational methods capable of capturing the coupled thermal, mechanical, and metallurgical phenomena inherent to AM. Topics of interest may include: • Process simulation and optimization at micro- and macro-scales. • Novel space discretization and time-integration schemes for accurate and efficient part-scale analysis. • Reduced-order and data-driven modelling for simulation acceleration. • Multi-physics and multi-scale approaches for microstructure and defect prediction. • Material modelling including thermo-mechanical–microstructural coupling. • Prediction and mitigation of residual stresses, distortion, and warpage. • Combined simulation and in-situ monitoring for calibration, validation, and qualification. • Machine learning and feedback-control strategies for process optimization and quality assurance. • Optimization of process windows and scanning strategies. The Thematic Session welcomes contributions covering various AM technologies (LPBF, DED, WAAM, etc.) and materials. The session will serve as a forum for discussing the latest research trends and for fostering collaborations aimed at advancing predictive, high-fidelity simulation tools that accelerate the industrial adoption and certification of additive manufacturing technologies.

The invited session on Numerical Modeling of Welding and Processing aims to gather contributions that enhance our understanding, prediction, and optimization of welding and joining operations through advanced computational approaches. Numerical modeling has become an essential part of welding research and engineering, helping to improve productivity, ensure joint quality, and reduce the need for extensive experimental work. By simulating the effects of process parameters, heat transfer, and material behavior, these models offer valuable insight into weld pool evolution, phase transformations, and the resulting mechanical and metallurgical properties. Welding and joining involve complex, coupled physical phenomena, including melting and solidification, material flow, microstructural evolution, and residual stress formation. To tackle these challenges, the session invites work employing multiphysics and multiscale modeling strategies based on various numerical techniques such as finite element, finite volume, smoothed particle hydrodynamics, Monte Carlo, and phase-field methods. These approaches make it possible to predict process behavior across different length and time scales from overall thermal and mechanical fields to local grain growth and defect formation. The session covers a broad range of joining technologies, including fusion and solid-state processes such as friction stir and friction deposition welding, as well as brazing, soldering, adhesive, and mechanical joining. Contributions are encouraged in areas such as: • Characterization and modeling of heat sources • Transport phenomena and weld pool dynamics • Phase transformations and microstructure-property relationships • Constitutive and frictional behavior • Defect prediction and mitigation strategies • Sensing, control, and automation in welding and joining • Integration of AI, machine learning, and digital twins for process optimization and real-time monitoring • Joining of advanced and dissimilar materials, including lightweight alloys, plastics, and composites.

Scope and Motivation Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) represents a key advancement in modern construction materials, combining the versatility of concrete with the enhanced mechanical performance provided by fibres. Understanding and accurately predicting its behaviour under various loading and environmental conditions requires advanced numerical modelling strategies. This thematic session aims to bring together researchers and engineers to discuss recent developments, challenges, and applications in numerical modelling of FRC across different scales and structural configurations. Contributions are welcome that bridge experimental evidence, micromechanical analysis, and large-scale structural simulations. Topics of Interest The session will cover, but is not limited to, the following topics: Multiscale modelling of fibre–matrix interaction and bond–slip behaviour. Numerical formulations for discrete, smeared, and hybrid fibre representations. Constitutive modelling and cohesive approaches for fibre bridging and pull-out mechanisms. Computational strategies for dynamic, fatigue, and impact behaviour of FRC. Coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical modelling and durability analysis. Model validation through experimental and digital image correlation (DIC) data. Design-oriented simulation tools and applications to real-scale FRC structures. Machine learning and reduced-order modelling for efficient prediction. This session will serve as a platform for exchanging state-of-the-art research and promoting collaboration among academics and practitioners. It aims to identify key gaps and foster the development of robust, predictive, and computationally efficient models for FRC structures, supporting the transition from laboratory studies to real-world applications.

The aim of this proposal is to gather, in a thematic session of the conference CMN2026, interesting and new numerical research works dealing with the mechanical performance of steel and composite structures applied in civil engineering. Numerical simulations have been widely applied for the determination of the resistance of steel and composite structural elements, connections and entire structures. This has been occurring when experimental analyses are not possible (due to cost or size limitations) or when parametric studies with high number of variables are needed. In addition, the increase of knowledge on the numerical prediction of different mechanical phenomena (e.g. failure mechanisms, instabilities phenomena, etc.), occurring in buildings or other civil engineering structures, are of the utmost importance for the safety assurance of people and property. While steel and steel-concrete composite structures are widely used in practice, owing to their excellent mechanical properties and design flexibility, the recent innovations introduced in the construction sector need to be characterized by means of numerical models capable to reproduce their realistic behaviour, increasing the need for promoting the research progress on the topic. High-performance materials (i.e. high-strength steel and concrete), new stainless steel grades or sustainable solutions using timber in composite/hybrid structural elements will be considered within this topic. Research works related with numerical simulations of entire structures, structural elements (beams, columns and beam-columns of different cross-sections shapes and slendernesses) and connections in steel and composite construction, will be the object of this thematic session. New construction systems and solutions that contribute to the circular economy principles and sustainable practices will also be explored. The influence of the consideration of different actions, such as the ones resulting from dynamic loading (e.g. seismic, impact, imposed vibrations, etc.), thermal loading (e.g. fire, explosions, etc.) or others, on those structures or structural components are also important aspects to be addressed in this session.

The simulation of wave propagation has been a cornerstone of numerical modeling over the past few decades, owing to its importance in diverse fields such as nondestructive evaluation, medical imaging, seismic exploration, and structural health monitoring. Particular attention has been devoted to the associated inverse problems, which aim to infer information about the propagation medium from its response to prescribed excitations. Despite significant progress in the numerical simulation of forward problems, inverse analyses remain inherently ill-posed, computationally demanding, and highly sensitive to modeling uncertainties. This session aims to bring together researchers engaged in the numerical aspects of wave propagation simulation and its application to inverse wave problems, both contributions centered in advanced inversion/data assimilation strategies or in efficient forward solvers are welcome. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): - Reliable and efficient forward solvers for elastic, acoustic, or electromagnetic waves. - Bayesian inversion methods. - Adjoint-based sensitivity computations as well as new techniques (e.g., automatic differentiation) to obtain gradient information. - Model reduction techniques and machine-learning surrogates. - Applications to engineering problems, including geophysical problems, non destructive testing or bio-medicine.

Hydrogen has been hailed as the energy vector of the future. It can decarbonise many applications and sectors, including some that are known to be particularly difficult to decarbonise, such as steelmaking or aviation. However, this comes with significant safety challenges due to the flammability of hydrogen and its ability to embrittle metals. For example, the deployment of a hydrogen energy infrastructure is compromised by the fact that hydrogen can reduce the fracture toughness, ductility and fatigue crack growth resistance of metals by orders of magnitude. Models are urgently needed to map regimes of operation, assess the efficiency of hydrogen decarbonisation across sectors and enable a safe deployment of a hydrogen energy infrastructure. This mini-symposium is aimed at bringing together computational solid and fluid mechanicians working in hydrogen technologies. This includes scientists working in the areas of: (i) hydrogen embrittlement, (ii) electrolysis, and (iii) hydrogen combustion. From the development of multi-physics (deformation-diffusion-fracture) models for predicting hydrogen assisted fracture to recent progress in understanding and simulating hydrogen combustion.

Combustion remains a central phenomenon in energy conversion, propulsion, and industrial processes, yet it continues to pose major scientific and engineering challenges due to its inherently multiphysical and multiscale nature. The proposed Thematic Session aims to gather contributions addressing recent advances in the numerical modelling and simulation of combustion processes, from fundamental studies to applied engineering problems. The session will focus on the development, implementation, and validation of numerical methods for reactive flows, including turbulence–chemistry interaction, detailed and reduced chemical kinetics, heat and mass transfer, radiation, and pollutant formation. Contributions employing a wide range of computational approaches, such as DNS, LES, RANS, hybrid or data-driven models, are welcome. Particular attention will be given to emerging research trends in hydrogen and alternative fuel combustion, machine learning-assisted combustion modelling, and high-performance computing strategies for large-scale reactive simulations. The session also seeks to highlight novel algorithmic developments and validation efforts through experimental–numerical comparison. The main objective of this Thematic Session is to provide a discussion platform for researchers and engineers working on the numerical modelling of combustion, fostering exchanges between academia, research centers, and industry. By promoting the integration of advanced numerical methods and physical modelling, this session aims to contribute to the development of predictive, efficient, and sustainable combustion technologies.

Recent years have seen a surge in the development of coupled, multi-physics models capable of capturing the interaction between chemical, thermal, electrical and mechanical fields. Together with the continuous increase in computational power, this new class of electro-thermo-chemo-mechanical models enables gaining unprecedented insight into key scientific and technological problems such as the degradation of Li-Ion batteries [1], the corrosion of metals and reinforced concrete structures [2,3], the chemo-mechanical behaviour of hydrogels and active materials [4], and the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases [5]. This mini-symposium is aimed at bringing together computational solid and fluid scientists working in coupled problems. Of particular interest is the development of new algorithms and computational multi-physics techniques, but also the application of existing techniques and models to new, interested coupled problems. REFERENCES [1] Zarzoso, G., Roque, E., Montero-Chacon, F. and Segurado, J. An FFT based chemo-mechanical framework with fracture: Application to mesoscopic electrode degradation. Mechanics of Materials, 201, 105211. (2025) [2] Kovacevic, S., Ali, W., Martínez-Pañeda, E. and LLorca, J. Phase-field modeling of pitting and mechanically-assisted corrosion of Mg alloys for biomedical applications. Acta Biomaterialia, 164, pp. 641-658. (2023) [3] Korec, E., Jirásek, M., Wong, H.S. and Martínez-Pañeda, E. Unravelling the interplay between steel rebar corrosion rate and corrosion-induced cracking of reinforced concrete. Cement and Concrete Research, 186, 107647 (2024). [4] Crespo-Miguel, J., Lucarini, S., Garzon-Hernandez, S., Arias, A., Martínez-Pañeda, E. and Garcia-Gonzalez, D. In-silico platform for the multifunctional design of 3D printed conductive components. Nature Communications, 16(1), 1359 (2025). [5] Schäfer, A., Weickenmeier, J. and Kuhl, E.. The interplay of biochemical and biomechanical degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 352, pp.369-388. (2019)

The phase field method has emerged as a versatile and interdisciplinary modeling framework with growing relevance across all branches of engineering. By describing complex interface-evolution phenomena - such as fracture, damage, corrosion and phase transformation - through a continuous field variable, this approach enables the simulation of processes that traditionally required separate modeling strategies. Its thermodynamically consistent formulation and compatibility with the finite element method have made it an increasingly practical tool for solving real engineering problems. In recent years, phase field models have been successfully applied to a wide range of engineering challenges: brittle and ductile fracture, fatigue crack growth, corrosion and oxidation in energy systems, and hydrogen-induced degradation in infrastructures. This unified framework facilitates the development of interdisciplinary physical models that reflect the true multiphysics nature of engineering materials. This thematic session focuses on the use of the phase field method to model and define physical problems in engineering. It aims to highlight applications of the phase field framework to fracture and material damage, corrosion, and other degradation or transformation phenomena—either as standalone physical processes or within fully coupled multiphysics environments. Both application-oriented and fundamental contributions are welcome, covering theoretical developments, numerical implementations, and practical case studies.

This thematic session will focus on models and numerical methods for energy use, storage, and conversion, with a particular emphasis on thermal energy conversion processes. As energy systems become increasingly complex and decentralized, accurate modelling and simulation tools are essential to optimize efficiency, sustainability, and integration across multiple energy sectors. This session aims to highlight innovative approaches and recent research advances in the numerical modelling of energy systems, providing attendees with insights into both theoretical developments and practical applications. Key themes include demand and load matching for electricity and heat, thermal energy storage for both heating and cooling, and power-to-heat technologies that enable flexible energy use. Attention will also be given to distributed production and storage of electricity, which are central to the transition toward more resilient and decentralized energy systems. Through these topics, the session will explore how advanced computational methods contribute to improving energy management, enhancing system stability, and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to heat and cold energy storage systems, storage of surplus electricity, district heating and cooling networks, circular and efficient use of energy, heat pump technologies, and the utilization of solar and geothermal resources. Furthermore, the session will address challenges in energy load and demand matching as well as energy use in buildings, which represent key areas for achieving energy efficiency and decarbonization goals. Overall, the objective of this session is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and to foster discussion on future directions for modelling and simulation in sustainable energy systems. Researchers, engineers, and practitioners are encouraged to share their findings, methodologies, and perspectives on advancing energy system modelling.

The session Numerical Methods for Fluids Engineering focuses on recent advances in computational strategies for the accurate and efficient simulation of fluid flows in engineering and industrial applications. Numerical modeling has become a cornerstone of fluids engineering, providing predictive insight into complex flow phenomena across diverse regimes—from laminar and transitional flows to fully turbulent, multiphase, and reactive systems. This session aims to highlight methodological developments, algorithmic innovations, and practical implementations that enhance the fidelity and performance of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Also, low-order models, finite differences resolution methods and numerical solution of governing equations are welcome. Topics of interest include spatial and temporal discretization techniques for the Navier–Stokes equations, advances in high-order finite volume, turbulence modeling simulation and recent CFD-based optimization techniques. The session also encourages contributions addressing computational performance and emerging methodologies that integrate reduced-order modeling, physics-informed machine learning, AI-driven CFD simulations and digital twin concepts to enable predictive, real-time, and multi-fidelity simulation frameworks. Specific topics and areas to contribute should include, but not limited to, multiphase and reacting flows, fluid–structure interaction, assessment of fluid phenomena, adaptive mesh refinement, uncertainty quantification, and error estimation. This session seeks to advance the state of the art in numerical methods for fluids engineering, boosting the connection between theoretical modeling, algorithmic research, and industrial or experimental validation, in order to promote the development of robust and efficient computational tools for complex flow systems.

The inherent complexity associated with advanced materials (e.g., composites, metamaterials, etc.) usually requires the use and development of new advanced computational techniques to model and simulate their behaviour, and to optimize their design for specific applications. These techniques include structural simulations combined with multiscale, homogenization, optimization and machine learning methods, addressing challenges like model order reduction for complex systems. This thematic session aims to discuss topics related with advanced materials for any kind of application, focusing on challenges and innovations in modelling, simulation or design of such materials. Discussions may extend beyond computational aspects to explore applications, or manufacturing challenges. The following topics fall within the scope of the thematic session: - Multiscale modelling of materials. - Model order reduction techniques. - Size and/or topology optimization. - Use of AI/machine learning tools for the design and analysis of materials. - Modelling and design of composite materials for different applications. - Characterization and design of functional materials and metamaterials.

Biomathematics applications (BA) have been highly developed during the past decade. There is a wide range of BA including medicine and health, ecology and environment, biotechnology, basic and applied research, among others. These BA impact in a great variety of human activities and could be vital for the prevalence of mankind in the near future. The objective of this mini symposium is to present the mathematical and computational modelling of biomathematics applications. It includes such topics as epidemiology, tumour research, biostatistics, physiology, population dynamics, bacterial/virus consortia, bioprocesses, food safety, understanding of complex biological phenomena, etc. Analysis and modelling of Multiphysics phenomena are welcome as well. Each paper or presentation must contain as a minimum a model description, mathematical formulation, the numerical strategy for solution, results (including graphs if applicable), future work, and conclusions. It is possible to select any numerical method available in the market to solve the mathematical model. Thus, the Finite Element Method, meshless methods, the Finite Volume Method, or any other method can be used with an appropriate justification. It is possible to utilize commercial software as well as self-designed programs. It is expected that each author can briefly explain the main contribution of his/her work and how it facilitates development of humanity.

Optimal Control Problems (OCP) are mathematically defined by the minimisation of a functional subject to ordinary or partial differential equations. They may though adopt different forms and solution strategies depending on the expression of the functional and the presence of additional constraints. OCPs arise in many practical problems in engineering, with applications that span robotics, aeronautics, or bioengineering. Recently, these problems have also been applied to solve inverse problems for inferring model parameters and material properties. This session invites researchers that focus on salient and novel applications of OCPs, contribute to their robust numerical solution, or study the underlying mathematical structure of the problem. In particular, the session welcomes applications on • Trajectory optimisation in robot manoeuvres • Locomotion strategies of soft and rigid bodies • Trajectory planning in aeronautics and automation • Solution of inverse problems and also welcomes also theoretical and numerical aspects such as • Robust numerical solution strategies of adjoint and state equations • Structure preserving integrators in OCPs • Solution of OCPs with free final time or inequality constraints

This thematic session focuses on recent developments in constitutive modelling supported by advanced computational techniques. Contributions are welcome on physics-based, multiscale, and data-driven approaches that enhance the understanding, formulation, and implementation of constitutive laws for different classes of materials (metallic, polymeric, ceramic, composite, and geomaterials), under complex loading conditions. The session aims to bring together researchers working on the integration of theory, experiments, and numerical methods for improved prediction of material behaviour. Topics may include phenomenological and microstructure-informed models, parameter identification and inverse analysis, coupling with finite element or meshless methods, and the use of machine learning and optimization techniques in constitutive model development. Suggested topics: • Physics-based and multiscale constitutive models • Parameter identification and model calibration • Numerical implementation and validation of constitutive laws • Optimization and inverse analysis techniques • Data-driven and hybrid approaches (e.g., physics-informed ML) • Coupling of experiments and simulations for material characterization

Pre-code residential buildings constitute a large share of the built environment across many European regions, particularly in areas that experienced significant urban expansion between the 1950s and the late 1970s. These structures, typically lacking modern seismic design provisions, are characterised by highly repetitive architectural and structural typologies, limited ductility, and construction details that do not align with current performance-based standards. As a result, they present a specific set of vulnerabilities that can be efficiently addressed through typology-driven assessment methodologies. This thematic session aims to bring together recent contributions on the seismic assessment, modelling, and mitigation of pre-code residential buildings through typology-based frameworks. The session focuses on approaches that integrate structural, geotechnical, and urban-scale information to support efficient and computationally grounded evaluation methods, with a view towards informing decision-making for large housing stocks. Core topics or interest include: (i) definition and refinement of typological classes based on structural and architectural features; (ii) use of cadastral, GIS and remote-sensing data for spatial inventories; (iii) soil-structure interaction modelling and the influence of soft soils on the seismic response of typified buildings; (iv) nonlinear numerical methods, including time-history analysis, incremental dynamic analysis, and fragility curves derivation; (v) reduced-order models (ROMs) and surrogate approaches for large-scale vulnerability estimations; and (vi) integration of probabilistic methods and Bayesian updating for uncertainty quantification. Special attention is given to moderate-seismicity regions, where risk is often underestimated and where pre-code residential buildings are still in use, frequently by socially vulnerable populations. By framing the problem through typology, the session seeks to promote computationally efficient, reproducible, and generalisable modelling strategies applicable at scale. The primary objective is to bridge high-fidelity numerical modelling with urban risk mitigation practice, encouraging contributions from researchers, practitioners, and institutions engaged in the structural assessment of large residential stocks.

Shape and topology optimization tools have revolutionized the way engineers and researchers approach the design and analysis of complex structures. This mini-symposium will delve into the last contributions of these optimization tools in the field of geometrical model generation. This session aims to cover a range of topics in the field of shape, topology and material optimization, including new optimization methodologies, topological derivatives, homogenization, material design, case studies demonstrating their practical applications, challenges associated with computational cost, combination with Machine Learning tools to improve the capabilities of these techniques, etc. This mini-symposium aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, ultimately advancing the state-of-the-art in geometrical model generation. Attendees will gain insights into the latest research trends, practical implementation strategies, and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals has become a key technology for advanced engineering applications, offering unprecedented design freedom and material efficiency. However, the complex thermo-mechanical phenomena involved, including melting, solidification, phase transformation, and residual stress development, demand accurate and efficient computational approaches for process understanding, optimization, and control. This thematic session aims to gather contributions focused on the modelling and simulation of metal additive manufacturing processes, such as Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and wire-arc AM. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: high-fidelity multiphysics simulations of melt-pool behaviour, thermo-mechanical and metallurgical modelling, reduced-order and data-driven approaches, process–structure–property relationships, and numerical methods for defect prediction and distortion compensation. The session seeks to foster discussion among researchers and engineers developing innovative computational tools and simulation frameworks that bridge the gap between fundamental process physics and industrial applications of metal AM.