Abstract

The project was developed within the structures department of the Polimi Motorcycle Factory, which is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and validation of the vehicle's main structural components, including the frame, swingarm, steering plates, and connection systems.
The department's activities integrate CAD development, numerical analyses and simulations, component assembly and experimental testing, with the goal of ensuring high mechanical performance, structural reliability and overall weight reduction. In this context, the project analyses the failure of a steering plate made of carbon fiber and aluminum, through a combined approach integrating experimental testing and finite element modeling (FEM).

The analysis made it possible to identify the most stressed areas and understand the main damage and failure mechanisms of the component, highlighting, in particular, the critical role of the structural adhesive in joining dissimilar materials. To increase the reliability of the numerical model, a calibration procedure for the adhesive material was performed based on experimental data from tests conducted in accordance with reference standards.

This activity enabled an accurate characterization of the adhesive's mechanical behavior, including stiffness, damage evolution, and failure response. The correlation between experimental results and FEM simulations confirmed the validity of the adopted approach and demonstrated the model's good predictive capability. The work therefore provides a robust method for the analysis and prediction of failure in bonded structural components subjected to high and complex loading conditions.

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Speakers

Francesco Maria Conte developed an early interest in engineering structures and lightweight design, combining analytical skills with a strong passion for high-performance mechanical systems.
He is currently attending the first year of the Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano.
Francesco's academic path has provided him with a solid foundation in structural mechanics, finite element analysis (FEM) and advanced simulation methodologies, which he applies to the design and optimization of lightweight mechanical structures.
Francesco currently serves as Head of the Structure Department at the PoliMi Motorcycle Factory (PMF) within the university's MotoStudent team. 
Francesco is actively involved in the development of engineered components, structural design, FEM validation and manufacturing processes. In this role, he contributes to the creation of high-performance structures optimized to minimize weight while ensuring strength, stiffness and reliability under demanding operating conditions.

@FC 
Head of Structural Department, Polimi Motorcycle Factory PMF 

Pietro Fumagalli is a member of the Polimi Motorcycle Factory, a racing team of Politecnico di Milano. Within the team, he is involved in the experimental study and characterization of structural adhesives used in the assembly of motorcycle components, with the aim of collecting data for the calibration of finite element (FEM) numerical models.
From an academic perspective, Pietro obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Materials and Nanotechnology Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2025 and is currently attending the first year of a Master’s degree in Materials and Nanotechnologies Engineering, with a specialization in engineering applications.
Pietro's passion for sports and competitions, combined with his interest in developing lighter and stronger materials, led Pietro to the field of high-performance engineering applications.

@PF 
Member of Structural Department, Polimi Motorcycle Factory PMF