The research topic MECHANICS OF MATERIALS focuses on mechanical properties, non-destructive microstructural characterization and residual stresses in metals and alloys, physical metallurgy of special high performance alloys, such as maraging steels, supermartensitic and duplex stainless steels, nickel alloys and aluminum, polymeric materials and polymer matrix composites (repair systems with polymeric materials and adhesives), and in the replacement of the welding process in metallic structures by the adhesive process.