Review »THREAD – Joint Training on Numerical Modelling of Highly Flexible Structures for Industrial Applications«

More Than a Research Project: How the European PhD Network »THREAD« Connects People

March 25, 2026

Flexible structures such as cables and hoses are indispensable in modern technology – but their behavior is complex. In the European doctoral network »THREAD – Joint Training on Numerical Modeling of Highly Flexible Structures for Industrial Applications,« 14 young researchers worked on modeling these systems more precisely using mathematics. But the program was more than just research: it connected people, disciplines, and perspectives – and opened up sustainable career paths in science and industry. We present four of the graduates here:

Ropes, cables, hoses – seemingly inconspicuous components that hold our modern world together. They are found in cars, wind turbines, medical devices, and on oil rigs deep in the sea. But their behavior is complex, more complex than it seems at first glance.

This is precisely where the European doctoral network »THREAD« comes in. Fourteen young scientists from eight European countries worked together to gain a better mathematical understanding of highly flexible structures and thus fundamentally improve industrial simulations. The project was coordinated by the Institute of Mathematics at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM also played a central role in the consortium. Dr. Joachim Linn played a key role in designing the network. »The program went surprisingly well for everyone. There were new impulses on all sides,« says Linn. He emphasizes that »THREAD« is more than just a research network.

One particularly visible result of the program can be seen today at Fraunhofer ITWM: Three of the (former) doctoral students – Martina Stavole, Sudhanva Chandrasekhara, and Indrajeet Patil – now work as research associates at the Fraunhofer Institute in Kaiserslautern, while Davide Manfredo and Denise Tumiotto are continuing their research careers in industry at the spin-off company fleXstructures GmbH. This exemplifies what sets »THREAD« apart: application-oriented doctoral topics in close cooperation with industry partners, the establishment of sustainable international networks, and a seamless transition into responsible professional positions. The program opened up international career prospects for all participants.

What Connects Everyone

Flexible structures connect machines, systems, and applications – often invisibly, but indispensably. »THREAD« has a similarly invisible but equally connecting effect: as a network that brings people, ideas, and disciplines together (very flexibly).

For the researchers involved, the program was not just a scientific project, but a formative part of their lives. In short, »THREAD« not only modeled flexible structures – it also modeled the future of science. The individuals involved explain what this means for them:

We Introduce the People Behind the Program

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Martina Stavole

Martina Stavole – Research as a Way to Change Yourself and the World

When Martina Stavole talks about her motivation for research, one word comes up particularly often: Change. »When I realized that research is the way to changes and innovation, and that, in this journey, one is never alone«, she says. Cooperation is crucial in this regard.

The Italian civil engineer is one of the young scientists who completed their doctorates in the European doctoral network »THREAD«. For Stavole, the appeal of the program lay particularly in the close cooperation between science and industry. »The networking opportunity and the collaboration with industry«, she says.

Early on in her studies, she developed an interest in how structures can be better protected against earthquakes – a topic that is particularly relevant in Italy with its many historic buildings. »Protecting our heritage from these phenomena and preserving it for future generations were my motivations for specializing in structural engineering and in seismic analysis«, explains Stavole. In her research during her studies, she therefore combines classical engineering sciences with applied mathematics. »Beam models and material modelling are the connecting points of the two fields in my research.«

International Research, Different Perspectives

The THREAD program introduced her to the world of international research. Italy, the USA, Hungary, Germany – stops in various countries and encounters with scientists from different disciplines and perspectives shaped her doctoral studies. »The most impactful aspect was not only dealing with new challenging international environments, but also with scientists, engineers and technicians who were approaching the same, or similar, problems from different points of view«, she says. At the same time, she learned that each country develops its own research priorities – often shaped by economic conditions and local challenges. »What motivated me is the curiosity to discover the world and its research questions, and the opportunity to learn from them.« The exchange not only helped her professionally, but also personally: »I have learned to communicate with individuals from different fields, to learn from anyone by asking the right questions, to be willing to learn more especially if the topic is not my expertise, to organize and revolutionize my work.«

A highlight of her doctoral studies was the ECCOMAS Multibody Konferenz (European Community on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences) in Lisbon in 2023. There, she presented her research together with other young scientists from the network. »At that moment I understood, that I was part of a community, being there with the other ESRs, and interesting topics were presented«, she remembers.

From the Research Network to Practical Application

Today, Stavole works as a research assistant at Fraunhofer ITWM. Among other things, she studies the nonlinear behavior of cables under bending loads and works on several experimental setups for cable testing. »I particularly enjoy the support I receive from colleagues for new projects and ideas.«

Looking back, she describes »THREAD« as a decisive step in her scientific development. »THREAD was a springboard towards a new scientific community and a new mindset«, she said. In addition to technical knowledge, she learned above all to take initiative, ask the right questions, and not be afraid to take new steps.

That is precisely what she encourages young researchers to do. »Don’t be afraid of what is coming next«, she advises. »Research and development are not happening only at the desk. Moving around the world, collaborating, networking, questioning and breaking your limits are necessary to grow and change the world.«

Stavole knows from her own experience that this path is not always easy. A career in science often requires personal sacrifices. Time and again, people around her ask her: »When do you get tired? Why don’t you come back? When are you going to understand that you did enough? In these moments I realize 'This is why I’m doing all of this'«, Stavole responds. »I live in a dynamic way and, if there is one possibility to make a change, I would just take it. Doing the opposite wouldn’t take me to 'do all of this'.«

Denise Tumiotto

Denise Tumiotto – Understanding the World Through Equations and Knowledge as a Lifelong Asset

For Denise Tumiotto, a lot of things start with the belief that the world can be understood and that math is the key to it. »In my view, only questions involving morality and emotions resist mathematical modeling. Matter itself – understood in the physical sense – can always be described through mathematics. Each motion, each force, each physical element can be described via an equation«, she says. The unknown could be many things: a position, a shape, a speed. »But there will always be a way to solve the equation, even if only approximately«. Research therefore seemed like a natural career path for her. She is particularly attracted by the opportunity to combine theoretical models with real-world applications.

Network-wide Training THREAD — © Fraunhofer ITWM
2020: Denise Tumiotto and Davide Manfredo participate together in the first virtual meeting of the EU doctoral program THREAD.

Between Mathematics and Engineering

Tumiotto studied »Mathematical Engineering« in Turin – a degree program that bridges precisely this gap between two worlds: mathematical theory and practical applications in technology and industry. During her studies, she learned to develop numerical methods and gain a better understanding of mechanical models used in simulations.

This combination ultimately led her to apply for the European doctoral network »THREAD«. Tumiotto was particularly impressed by its interdisciplinary approach: »I liked the possibility to have a mixed environment of engineers and mathematicians, that could study the subject both from a theoretical point of view and a practical one«, says the Italian.

Learning in an International Network

A defining moment during her doctoral studies was a guest stay at another institute within the network. Such stays are part of the THREAD concept and enable young researchers to get to know different scientific cultures and working methods.

International cooperation has broadened Tumiotto's perspective – both professionally and personally. She improved her language skills and learned to work with people from different disciplines and countries. At the same time, she deepened her programming skills and her experience in dealing with numerical simulations. »The biggest challenge was moving back to Italy«, says Tumiotto.

Mathematics for Real Problems and Back to Italy

Today, she works at fleXstructures Italy, an international spin-off from Fraunhofer ITWM. She joined the team in June 2025 and works with the IPS Cable Simulation software developed at the Fraunhofer Institute in Kaiserslautern. The aim is to simulate the behavior of cables and other flexible structures as realistically as possible on a computer.

She particularly likes the fact that she can apply mathematical methods directly to practical challenges in industry. During her doctoral studies, she had already completed an internship at fleXstructures GmbH. »I really like the environment and the mission of the company«, she says.

Knowledge as Motivation – It Pays to Stick With It!

For Tumiotto, scientific curiosity is more than just a professional interest. She sees knowledge as a core value and waxes almost philosophical about it: »I value knowledge the most in a person and in society«, she reports enthusiastically. »It means that if I do not know something I feel like something is missing and I need to discover it and understanding it.« Her Motto: »Scientific research is the only possible way to improve ourselves.«

Her advice to future doctoral students is also consistent with this attitude: »At the beginning it may feel like you do not know enough«, she says. »But keep studying and your knowledge will grow together with you.«

Davide Manfredo

Davide Manfredo – »Don't waste time and energy comparing yourself to others«

Sometimes the path to research only becomes apparent later on. For Davide Manfredo, it was towards the end of his master's degree. While he was already looking for jobs in industry, he came across the European doctoral network. »I don’t think I would have accepted classical PhD programs in a University anyway«, says Manfredo.

From Theoretical Mathematics to Applied Research

Manfredo first studied mathematics at the Università di Torino before shifting his focus to applied mathematics and the life sciences during his master’s studies. There, he worked intensively on numerical analysis, simulation, and programming, initially with a view to biomedical applications. Even during his studies, he gained international experience, for example during study visits to France and Thailand and during an internship in Spain. As part of »THREAD«, he eventually moved to the Fraunhofer ITWM as a doctoral researcher. Here, he worked on modeling highly flexible structures such as cables, antennas, and hoses –components that play a central role in many technical systems but whose behavior is mathematically challenging to describe.

Research as International Cooperation

For him, international dialogue was particularly influential in this regard: »I realized how many people work on the same topic but from different perspectives«, says Manfredo. He found the meetings with the other researchers to be a particularly unique experience.

The doctoral program also had a personal impact on him. Manfredo began his doctorate in spring 2020 – in the midst of the pandemic. Initially, it was difficult to exchange ideas with other researchers, as much of the interaction took place digitally. Only over time did he develop the contacts and networks that he now considers to be among the most valuable experiences of the program.

Simulation for a More Digital Industry

Today he works at fleXstructures GmbH, a spin-off from the Fraunhofer ITWM. »Pure research would not have worked for me,« he emphasizes. There, he develops and maintains software for the simulation of cables – exactly the field that already occupied him during his doctorate. He now uses this knowledge in practice every day. »I also learned German during my PhD, and I now work totally in German.«

It is precisely this mix that appeals to him. »I like the fact that my job varies almost every week.,« says Manfredo. While he still works partly on research questions, contact with customers is also part of his everyday work. As industry becomes increasingly digitalized, the importance of simulation tools is also growing: they help to test complex systems virtually and make development processes more efficient.

What Manfredo still finds particularly fascinating today is that real phenomena can be described so precisely with mathematical models that they can be simulated on a computer. »Every time I think about it seems unbelievable,« the mathematician says enthusiastically.

His advice for future doctoral candidates: »Do not waste time and energy comparing your results and accomplishments with others. Every path is unique, as well as every student and supervisors, research group and research topic. Focus on getting something done everyday and trust that results will come sooner than expected. Do not forget to enjoy your free time, it is important to recharge your batteries.«

Sudhanva Chandrasekhara

Sudhanva Kusuma Chandrasekhara – »Even Slow Progress Is Progress«

It is often only in retrospect that one can say exactly when interest turns into passion. For Sudhanva Kusuma Chandrasekhara, this moment of realization came during his master’s studies. In particular, working on his thesis influenced his decisions. »It was during this time that I discovered how much I enjoy computational mechanics and developing numerical methods,« he recalls. »That experience made it clear to me that research is the environment where I feel most motivated.« He had already completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in India and earned a master’s degree in computer science and engineering at the University of Rostock in Germany.

© Fraunhofer ITWM
Sudhanva Kusuma Chandrashekhara

Research Between Wind and Cables – Between Mathematics and Engineering

In his master’s thesis at the Chair of Wind Energy Technology, Chandrasekhara focused on the simulation of wind turbine blades. The aim was to predict their vibrations – a critical factor for the performance and safety of wind energy systems. The challenge was to develop a numerical model that could represent complex geometries realistically while remaining efficient enough for large-scale simulations.

The European doctoral network »THREAD« then gave his career wind in its sails. He wanted to work internationally in research. »I was drawn to THREAD because it uniquely combined rigorous scientific research with strong industrial relevance,« says Chandrasekhara. At the same time, the program offered the opportunity to become part of an international network of universities, research institutes, and industry partners.

At the core of his doctoral research were highly flexible structures – such as cables and hoses. The goal was to enable realistic virtual prototypes and make simulations more reliable. International workshops and conferences were also an important part of his doctoral experience. There, he presented his research and discussed it with experts from various disciplines around the world. »These interactions brought together different perspectives, and the feedback I received from experts helped shape the direction of my research,« says the engineer.

Learning Through International Exchange

This collaboration shaped not only his scientific work but also his personal development. Interacting with researchers from different countries made his thinking more open and flexible. »It taught me to communicate clearly and appreciate different approaches to solving technical problems,« says Chandrasekhara.

At the same time, he became aware of how important structure and organization are in long-term research projects. »I learned to break tasks into manageable steps and set my own structure, especially during challenging phases of my PhD. One of the biggest challenges was staying confident and focused during the more technical and uncertain phases of my PhD, especially when the research didn’t move forward as quickly as I hoped,« he says. »In those moments, it helps to remind myself that even slow progress is still progress.«

Simulations for Real-World Applications

Today, Chandrasekhara works as a research associate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM in the »Mathematics for the Digital Factory« department. There, he develops methods for the dynamic simulation of flexible structures. The central question is how contact and interaction processes – such as collisions or self-contact in cables – can be modeled reliably.

Such models form a key foundation for virtual prototyping in many applications, for example in vehicle wiring harnesses, robotics, or machines with flexible components. The goal is to provide engineers with more powerful tools that allow complex systems to be developed faster and more safely.

»I enjoy working at the intersection of mathematics and engineering,« says Chandrasekhara. »Our models are mathematically challenging – but at the same time, they help us better understand real technical systems.«

Trusting the Process

He also has advice for future doctoral candidates: »Stay curious, ask questions, and make the most of the people around you.« And when research becomes challenging, it helps to keep reminding yourself: »Trust the process and do not worry too much about setbacks. Research is full of slow phases and unexpected challenges, but they’re all part of the journey.«

Indrajeet Patil

Indrajeet Patil – Making His Mark Through Research

»Research leaves a legacy behind«. Indrajeet Patil answers the first interview question directly with big words. »What one publishes is a permanent mark of intellectuality today – and that may shape the future civilization in some way.« This idea of leaving a lasting mark through scientific work motivates him, and so the desire to go into research was already apparent early on in his professional career.

His career path began with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in India. He then deepened his knowledge with a master's degree in structural engineering at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Even at this stage, he found it fascinating to describe complex structures mathematically – a foundation that would later shape his research in the program. He came to Germany with »THREAD« and, as a doctoral student, found three aspects particularly exciting: the combination of scientific supervision, international exchange, and research on real industrial issues.

Describing Flexible Structures Mathematically

In essence, Patils' doctoral thesis dealt with the question of how long, slender, and flexible structures behave under the influence of force. Such elements can bend, twist, or stretch significantly – properties that play an important role in many technical applications and are very complex to model.

»As engineers, we describe their behaviour mathematically and then solve these equations using computers«, explains Patil. The aim is to develop simulations that can be used to predict the behavior of such structures as realistically as possible. During his doctoral studies, he is working closely with other researchers. The exchange of ideas in an international environment constantly leads to new ideas and inspiration for his work.

From Research to Application

Today, Patil works as a research assistant at Fraunhofer ITWM in the »CDTire« team, where he is now involved in completely different topics, namely the modeling and simulation of tires – a key component in vehicles that acts as the link between the vehicle and the road.

His work focuses on physical models that describe both the behavior of individual tires and their role in overall vehicle simulations. »My experience with multibody systems, contact mechanics, and numerical solvers are some relevant topics that I learnt from »THREAD«.« This is particularly important, for example, for NVH analyses, i.e., investigations into noise, vibration, and ride comfort (NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness).

»My current work involves real-world challenges that are in collaboration with world-leading industries«, Patil is enthusiastic. In addition to scientific modeling, direct exchange with industry partners is therefore also part of his daily work. Fraunhofer ITWM collaborates with 19 tire manufacturers worldwide.

Learning From Setbacks, Patience, and Self-Discipline

Looking back, Patil describes his time at »THREAD« as an intensive learning phase. »My PhD is a rollercoaster journey of 5 years«,said the researcher with roots in India. Many insights arose from small successes, often after long periods of setbacks, working through the night, and perseverance. »My research results were captured by my papers – but the PhD taught me personal lessons that no publication can capture«

Today, he sees this as an important part of the process: developing patience, committing to the journey, and understanding that difficult phases are also part of the journey. »A research problem will intimidate you«, says Patil. »Learn to fall in love with a problem, trust the process, keep struggling – and watch yourself conquer the problem.«

In the end, Patil is left with the same thought he had at the beginning: research can leave its mark – not only in numbers or simulations, but in knowledge and in society itself.

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