Ignacio Peralta

Research Assistant at Università degli Studi di Genova | PhD in Computational Mechanics | Fulbrighter

Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany

About

I am a researcher and engineer with a multidisciplinary background in computational modeling, numerical optimization, and materials design. My work bridges several domains—from fluid dynamics and metamaterials to energy-efficient building materials and Li-ion battery manufacturing—guided by a strong focus on using mathematical and computational tools to address complex physical problems. During my academic path, I developed optimization methods for the design of thermal and mechanical metamaterials, including cloaking and heat flux manipulation devices. I later applied similar methodologies to the design of composite cement-based materials for building envelopes, integrating thermal energy storage capabilities. I worked also in the simulation of Li-ion battery manufacturing processes, with a focus on multiscale mechanical modeling and nonlinear structural behavior. My interests lie at the intersection of mechanics, materials science, and computational methods, with a strong motivation toward research-driven innovation.

Experience

  • Research Assistant at Università degli Studi di Genova
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • Mechanical Process Simulation Engineer at ACC - Automotive Cells Company
    Nov 2023 - May 2026 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Key Responsibilities and Achievements: - Performed mechanical finite element analyses (FEA), including material and geometric nonlinearities, and complex contact interactions. - Implemented reduced-order AI models to speed up simulations and support decision-making. - Modeled manufacturing processes for Li-ion battery cells, with a focus on the assembly phase. - Developed 1D thermal FEA models to simulate the pre-heating line during the calendering process. - Conducted 1D swelling analyses to understand material behavior during the electrical formation stage.

  • Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina)
    • Postdoctoral Research Fellow
      Apr 2020 - Dec 2023 · 3 yrs 9 mos

      Computational metamaterial design applied to engineering problems.

    • Doctoral Research Fellow
      Apr 2015 - Mar 2020 · 5 yrs

      During my PhD, I developed and implemented a continuous optimization methodology for the computational design of metamaterials and metadevices aimed at manipulating heat flux. This work resulted in the successful creation of devices for thermal cloaking and heat flux concentration. I then extended this methodology to control displacement fields in elastic materials, enabling mechanical and thermo-mechanical cloaking. In parallel, I explored mass optimization of composite structures using evolutionary algorithms, and I implemented neural network models to replace computationally intensive simulations during optimization routines. My PhD thesis "Computational design of materials for thermal and mechanical applications" can be obtained in the following link: https://hdl.handle.net/11185/5769

  • Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Technische Universität Darmstadt
    Jul 2021 - Nov 2023 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Key Responsibilities and Achievements: - Developed computational methods for the design and optimization of cement-based materials for building applications. - Performed numerical homogenization analyses to predict the thermal properties of cementitious composites. - Acted as co-coordinator of the EU project NRG-STORAGE (H2020-IA, grant ID: 870114), supporting collaboration between academic and industrial partners. - Led a Work Package within the MIRACLE project (H2020 FET-OPEN, grant ID: 964450), focusing on innovative materials for energy-efficient buildings.

  • Assistant Professor (in charge of practical lessons) at Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Santa Fe
    Mar 2017 - Mar 2023 · 6 yrs 1 mo

    - Subject: Thermodynamics. - Main task: leading practical lessons to solve Thermodynamics applied to engineering problems.