Mr. Max Barillas | Computational Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Max Barillas is a dedicated researcher specializing in computational and mechanical engineering with a strong focus on data-driven modeling and materials design. Currently serving as a Predoctoral Researcher at the Centre Internacional de Mètodes Numèrics en Enginyeria (CIMNE) in Barcelona, Max contributes to advancing numerical and computational methods for solving complex engineering problems. His academic trajectory includes a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University and ongoing doctoral research in Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Max’s work demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach that merges computational mechanics, materials science, and applied mathematics. His notable research includes the development of non-intrusive, data-driven methodologies for addressing inverse problems in bending dielectric elastomer actuators, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy in modeling soft robotic systems. Additionally, he has contributed to the design of low-porosity auxetic tessellations aimed at reducing mechanical stress concentrations, a study that supports innovations in lightweight and flexible materials. Through these investigations, Max explores the intersection of structural optimization and smart materials, striving to enhance mechanical performance and adaptability. His research reflects a commitment to bridging theoretical frameworks with real-world applications in advanced materials and engineering design. Overall, Max Barillas’s scholarly contributions highlight a forward-thinking perspective within computational mechanics, focusing on leveraging mathematical modeling and numerical analysis to address modern challenges in material behavior and structural engineering, reinforcing his role as an emerging expert in the field of computational and mechanical sciences.