The Applied Mechanics Laboratory (AML) is a leading research and technology-development unit at the Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics Department of the University of Patras. Activities extend across: (i) design, analysis, and optimisation of structures—computational mechanics; (ii) materials and processes development; (iii) non-destructive testing & evaluation—structural health monitoring; (iv) advanced mate-rials characterisation & testing; (v) space and unmanned aerial systems. The laboratory specialises in the area of nanotechnology and advanced materials with a focus on the science, technology development, characterisation, and application of composite materials (e.g., polymers, ceramics), with a strong emphasis on their progressive damage under operational loads, the study of response and damage under dynamic loading (including ballistic, hypervelocity blast, and hail impact, ditching, crash landing), as well as crashworthiness and hardening using high strain rate material models. In addition, the lab works in the field of nano-modified thermosetting resins, elastomers, thermoplastics, and fibre-reinforced compo-sites. Nanocomposites have extensive use in the aviation, automotive, energy storage structures, space, defence, electronics (sensors), and building industries. AML has been awarded more than 100 highly competitive research and innovation projects). It has published scientific journals (785) and volumes (21) in world-recognised mediums. It has filed 12 national, European, and US patents, and founded 2 spin-off companies. AML has been involved in many R&D projects administered by ESA.
