Marta Silva Carvalho

@fct.unl.pt

Assistant Professor - UNIDEMI FCT-NOVA & LASI
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

Marta Silva Carvalho


               Download Compact PDF  
https://researchid.co/martacarvalho
Assistant Professor at FCT-NOVA Lisboa

Researcher member at the UNIDEMI and LASI

EDUCATION

PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2009) Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Crashworthiness
Impact Biomechanics
Multibody Systems Dynamics
Finite Element Analysis
Optimization
38

Scopus Publications

788

Scholar Citations

16

Scholar h-index

21

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Reclined Seating Postures on Passive Safety Performance in Automotive Seats: A Review
    Nuno Carmo, João Milho, Marta Carvalho
    Machines, 2026
    The increasing adoption of reclined seating postures in modern vehicle interiors challenges the assumptions underpinning current passive safety systems and occupant protection assessment frameworks. While restraint technologies and certification protocols have historically been developed for upright configurations, emerging trends in autonomous driving and comfort-oriented designs promote relaxed postures that fundamentally alter occupant kinematics, loading path, and consequently the injury mechanisms. This review critically synthesizes experimental and numerical studies addressing occupant biomechanics, restraint system performance, and injury risk in reclined seating. Evidence from crash tests using Anthropomorphic Test Devices and Post-Mortem Human Surrogates, alongside high-fidelity numerical Human Body Models, is analyzed to identify consistent trends and methodological limitations. The results highlight increased forward excursion, elevated submarining propensity, and posture-dependent abdominal and lumbar loading as critical consequences of increased seatback recline. Furthermore, this review discusses the effectiveness of adaptive restraint strategies, including active repositioning and modified airbag–belt integration. By identifying existing research gaps and regulatory limitations, this work aims to provide a roadmap for the development of future safety systems that ensure robust protection for all occupants in the era of automated mobility.
  • Simulation–Driven Design of Ankle–Foot Orthoses Using DoE Optimization and 4D Visualization
    Marta Carvalho, João Milho
    Biomechanics Switzerland, 2025
    Background/Objectives: The simulation of human movement offers transformative potential for the design of medical devices, particularly in understanding the cause–effect dynamics in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments. This study presents a simulation-driven framework to determine the optimal ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) stiffness for mitigating the risk of ankle sprains due to excessive subtalar inversion during high-impact activities, such as landing from a free fall. Methods: We employed biomechanical simulations to assess the influence of translational stiffness on subtalar inversion control, given that inversion angles exceeding 25 degrees are strongly correlated with injury risk. Simulations were conducted using a musculoskeletal model with and without a passive AFO; the stiffness varied in three anatomical directions. A Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was utilized to capture nonlinear interactions among stiffness parameters. Results: The results indicated that increased translational stiffness significantly reduced inversion angles to safer levels, though direction–dependent effects were noted. Based on these insights, we developed a 4D visualization tool that integrates simulation data with an interactive color–coded interface to depict ”safe design” zones for various AFO stiffness configurations. This tool supports clinicians in selecting stiffness values that optimize both safety and functional performance. Conclusions: The proposed framework enhances clinical decision-making and engineering processes by enabling more accurate and individualized AFO designs.
  • Development and evaluation of numerical models of an aircraft seat assembly and occupant for the simulation of dynamic certification tests
    Ana P. Martins, Marta S. Carvalho, Gerardo Olivares, Hamid Lankarani
    Mechanism and Machine Theory, 2025
  • Smart piezoelectric composite: impact of piezoelectric ceramic microparticles embedded in heat-treated 7075-T651 aluminium alloy
    Pedro M. Ferreira, David Caçador, Miguel A. Machado, Marta S. Carvalho, Pedro Vilaça, et al.
    International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design, 2025
    Significant advances have been made in material synthesis in the last two decades, with a focus on polymers, ceramics, metals, and smart materials. Piezoelectric-based smart materials generate an electric voltage in response to loads, enabling distributed monitoring in critical structural parts. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a versatile approach that can enhance material performance in various engineering fields. The primary objective of the current research is to examine the sensorial properties of heat-treated AA7075-T651 aluminium plates that have been included with Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and Barium Titanate (BT) particles via FSP. This study includes a comparative analysis of sensitivities with AA5083-H111 self-sensing material, metallographic and physicochemical characterization, and an assessment of the mechanical properties impacted by the incorporation of piezoelectric particles. The sensitivity of AA7075-PZT was found to be significantly higher than that of AA7075-BT. AA7075-PZT achieved a maximum sensitivity of 15.27 × 10−4 μV/MPa while AA7075-BT had a sensitivity of only 7.28 × 10−4 μV/MPa, which is 52% lower. Microhardness and uniaxial tensile tests demonstrated that the presence of particles has an influence on both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of aluminium components, as opposed to those that do not have particles. The complete investigation intends to give significant insights into the performance and prospective uses of these innovative smart materials, therefore advancing materials science and engineering. Graphical abstract
  • Modelling electro-mechanical behaviour in piezoelectric composites: Current status and perspectives on homogenisation
    Pedro M. Ferreira, Miguel A. Machado, Catarina Vidal, Marta S. Carvalho
    Advances in Engineering Software, 2024
  • Evaluation of self-sensing material behaviour: Insights from cyclic and pulse load testing
    Pedro M. Ferreira, Afonso Meireles, Catarina Vidal, Marta S. Carvalho, Miguel A. Machado
    Measurement Journal of the International Measurement Confederation, 2024
  • Nondestructive Testing of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Composites: An Experimental Critical Comparison
    Henrique V. Silva, Nuno P. Catapirra, Marta S. Carvalho, Telmo G. Santos, Miguel A. Machado
    3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, 2024
  • Enabling electrical response through piezoelectric particle integration in AA2017-T451 aluminium parts using FSP technology
    Pedro M Ferreira, David Caçador, Miguel A Machado, Marta S Carvalho, Pedro Vilaça, et al.
    Smart Materials and Structures, 2024
    In the field of structural engineering, the integration of smart materials and structural health monitoring (SHM) has given rise to self-sensing materials (SSM), leading to a paradigm shift in SHM. This paper focuses on the interplay between self-sensing capabilities and the piezoelectric properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and barium titanate (BT) in aluminium components. Leveraging Friction Stir Processing (FSP), the study explores the synthesis and performance of SSMs with embedded piezoelectric particles, potentially transforming structural engineering. The paper highlights FSP as a key methodology for incorporating piezoelectric particles into structural materials, showcasing its potential in developing SSMs with enhanced functionalities. A specific focus is placed on integrating PZT and BT particles into AA2017-T451 aluminium parts using FSP, with metallographic assessments and mechanical property evaluations conducted to analyse particle distribution and concentration. This study shows how BT and PZT particles are incorporated into AA2017-T451 aluminium to create a SSM that responds to external stimuli. Under cyclic loading, the SSMs exhibit a linear load-electrical response correlation, with sensibility increasing at lower frequencies. Metallographic analysis shows homogeneous particle distribution, while PZT induces increased brittleness and brittle fractures. Yield strength remains relatively stable, but ultimate strength decreases post-FSP. Hardness variations indicate weaker bonding with PZT particles. Eddy’scurrent testing aligns with hardness profiles, and sensorial characterization reveals a non-linear frequency-sensibility relationship, showcasing the SSMs’ suitability for low-frequency applications, particularly with PZT embedment.
  • Efficient 2D Neck Model for Simulation of the Whiplash Injury Mechanism
    Diamantino Henriques, Ana P. Martins, Marta S. Carvalho
    Bioengineering, 2024
    Whiplash injuries, mainly located in the neck, are one of the most common injuries resulting from road collisions. These injuries can be particularly challenging to detect, compromising the ability to monitor patients adequately. This work presents the development and validation of a computationally efficient model, called Efficient Neck Model—2D (ENM-2D), capable of simulating the whiplash injury mechanism. ENM-2D is a planar multibody model consisting of several bodies that model the head and neck with the same mass and inertia properties of a male occupant model in the 50th percentile. The damping and non-linear spring parameters of the kinematic joints were identified through a multiobjective optimization process, solved sequentially. The TNO-Human Body Model (TNO-HBM), a validated occupant model for rear impact, was simulated, and its responses were used as a reference for validation purposes. The root mean square (RMS) of the deviations of angular positions of the bodies were used as objective functions, starting from the bottom vertebra to the top, and ending in the head. The sequence was repeated until it converged, ending the optimization process. The identified ENM-2D model could simulate the whiplash injury mechanism kinematics and accurately determine the injury criteria associated with head and neck injuries. It had a relative deviation of 8.3% for the head injury criteria and was 12.5 times faster than the reference model.
  • Self-sensing metallic material based on PZT particles produced by friction stir processing envisaging structural health monitoring applications
    Pedro M. Ferreira, Miguel A. Machado, Marta S. Carvalho, Pedro Vilaça, Gonçalo Sorger, et al.
    Materials Characterization, 2023
  • Double active thermographic inspection of additive manufacturing composites: numerical modelling and validation
    Henrique V. Silva, Ana P. Martins, Miguel A. Machado, Telmo G. Santos, Marta S. Carvalho
    Measurement Journal of the International Measurement Confederation, 2023
  • Influence of uniform temperature variations on hybrid bonded joints with a circular or tubular cross-sectional area
    Hugo C. Biscaia, Ana P. Martins, Wan-Yang Gao, Marta S. Carvalho
    Mechanics of Materials, 2023
  • Granting Sensorial Properties to Metal Parts through Friction Stir Processing
    Pedro M. Ferreira, Miguel A. Machado, Marta S. Carvalho, Catarina Vidal
    Measurement Journal of the International Measurement Confederation, 2023
  • Development of a Cohesive Model for CFRP-To-Steel Bonded Joints for Low and High Temperatures
    Hugo Biscaia, Miguel Machado, Marta Carvalho, Telmo Santos, Yongming Yang
    Rilem Bookseries, 2023
  • Tracheal Automatic Hexahedral Mesh Generation
    Jairson C. Dinis, João Brites Pinto, Carlos A. Campos, Mário S. Correia, Henrique Almeida, et al.
    Lecture Notes in Bioengineering, 2023
  • Embedded Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring: Methodologies and Applications Review
    Pedro M. Ferreira, Miguel A. Machado, Marta S. Carvalho, Catarina Vidal
    Sensors, 2022
  • Interfacial failure of circular or tubular hybrid bonded joints: A theoretical description
    Hugo C. Biscaia, Marta S. Carvalho, Ana P. Martins, Rui Micaelo
    Engineering Failure Analysis, 2022
  • A validated railway vehicle interior layout with multibody dummies and finite element seats models for crash analysis
    Jorge Ambrósio, Marta Carvalho, João Milho, Susana Escalante, Roberto Martín
    Multibody System Dynamics, 2022
  • Double active transient thermography
    Miguel A. Machado, Maria I. Silva, Ana P. Martins, Marta S. Carvalho, Telmo G. Santos
    NDT and E International, 2022
  • Numerical Analysis on the Bond Performance of Different Anchored Joints under Monotonic and Cyclic Pull-push Loading
    Journal of Applied and Computational Mechanics, 2022
  • Railway seat design for injury mitigation in crash scenario
    M. S. Carvalho, A. P. Martins, J. Milho
    International Journal of Rail Transportation, 2020
  • Reliability and NDT Methods
    Telmo G. Santos, J. P. Oliveira, Miguel A. Machado, Patrick L. Inácio, Valdemar R. Duarte, et al.
    Advanced Structured Materials, 2020
  • Simulation and validation of thermography inspection for components produced by additive manufacturing
    Marta S. Carvalho, Ana P. Martins, Telmo G. Santos
    Applied Thermal Engineering, 2019
  • Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) stiffness design for mitigation of ankle inversion injury
    D. Teixeira, J. Milho, M. S. Carvalho, M.A.R. Loja
    6th IEEE Portuguese Meeting on Bioengineering Enbeng 2019 Proceedings, 2019
  • Inspection of composite parts produced by additive manufacturing: Air-coupled ultrasound and thermography
    58th Annual Conference of the British Institute of Non Destructive Testing NDT 2019, 2019

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Development and evaluation of numerical models of an aircraft seat assembly and occupant for the simulation of dynamic certification tests
    AP Martins, MS Carvalho, G Olivares, H Lankarani
    Mechanism and Machine Theory 208, 105940 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Smart piezoelectric composite: impact of piezoelectric ceramic microparticles embedded in heat-treated 7075-T651 aluminium alloy
    PM Ferreira, D Caçador, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, P Vilaça, G Sorger, ...
    International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design 21 (1), 155-180 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Evaluation of self-sensing material behaviour: Insights from cyclic and pulse load testing
    PM Ferreira, A Meireles, C Vidal, MS Carvalho, MA Machado
    Measurement 234, 114878 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 8
  • Modelling electro-mechanical behaviour in piezoelectric composites: Current status and perspectives on homogenisation
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, C Vidal, MS Carvalho
    Advances in Engineering Software 193, 103651 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 39
  • Enabling electrical response through piezoelectric particle integration in AA2017-T451 aluminium parts using FSP technology
    PM Ferreira, D Caçador, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, P Vilaça, G Sorger, ...
    Smart Materials and Structures 33 (6), 065037 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 12
  • Nondestructive testing of 3D printed fiber-reinforced polymeric composites: an experimental critical comparison
    HV Silva, NP Catapirra, MS Carvalho, TG Santos, MA Machado
    3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing 11 (3), 1196-1208 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 21
  • Development of a multibody model of an aircraft seat assembly and occupant for the simulation of dynamic certification tests
    AP Martins, MS Carvalho, G Olivares, HM Lankarani
    The 7th International Conference on Multibody System Dynamics , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Efficient 2D neck model for simulation of the whiplash injury mechanism
    D Henriques, AP Martins, MS Carvalho
    Bioengineering 11 (2) , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • TRATAMENTO CIRÚRGICO DA HIPERTENSÃO INTRACRANIANA
    RG AGUILA, T AMORIM, PAB SILVA, LHC SOUZA, M SILVA, ...
    CONTRIBUCIONES A LAS CIENCIAS SOCIALES 17 (13), e13355 , 2024
    2024
  • Self-sensing metallic material based on piezoelectric particles
    PDM Ferreira
    PQDT-Global , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 10
  • Self-sensing metallic material based on PZT particles produced by friction stir processing envisaging structural health monitoring applications
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, P Vilaça, G Sorger, JV Pinto, ...
    Materials Characterization 205, 113371 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 20
  • Double active thermographic inspection of additive manufacturing composites: numerical modelling and validation
    HV Silva, AP Martins, MA Machado, TG Santos, MS Carvalho
    Measurement 218, 113212 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 18
  • Inspection benchmarking of fiber reinforced polymers produced by additive manufacturing
    MA Machado, H Silva, J Pazadinhas, MS Carvalho, TG Santos
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Tracheal Automatic Hexahedral Mesh Generation
    JC Dinis, JB Pinto, CA Campos, MS Correia, H Almeida, H Cordeiro, ...
    Congress of the Portuguese Society of Biomechanics, 169-176 , 2023
    2023
  • Influence of uniform temperature variations on hybrid bonded joints with a circular or tubular cross-sectional area
    HC Biscaia, AP Martins, WY Gao, MS Carvalho
    Mechanics of Materials 179, 104600 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 6
  • Granting sensorial properties to metal parts through friction stir processing
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, C Vidal
    Measurement 207, 112405 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 33
  • Development and Simulation of Calibration tests of Multibody Head-neck Models for the Hybrid-II and Hybrid-III ATDs
    AP Martins, MS Carvalho, H Lankarani, G Olivares
    11th ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Multibody Dynamics (MULTIBODY2023) , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Embedded sensors for structural health monitoring: methodologies and applications review
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, C Vidal
    Sensors 22 (21), 8320 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 179
  • Development of a Cohesive Model for CFRP-To-Steel Bonded Joints for Low and High Temperatures
    H Biscaia, M Machado, M Carvalho, T Santos, Y Yang
    International Conference on Testing and Experimentation in Civil Engineering … , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 1
  • Interfacial failure of circular or tubular hybrid bonded joints: A theoretical description
    HC Biscaia, MS Carvalho, AP Martins, R Micaelo
    Engineering Failure Analysis 132, 105936 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 11

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Embedded sensors for structural health monitoring: methodologies and applications review
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, C Vidal
    Sensors 22 (21), 8320 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 179
  • Simulation and validation of thermography inspection for components produced by additive manufacturing
    MS Carvalho, AP Martins, TG Santos
    Applied thermal engineering 159, 113872 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 52
  • Identification of validated multibody vehicle models for crash analysis using a hybrid optimization procedure
    M Carvalho, J Ambrósio, P Eberhard
    Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 44 (1), 85-97 , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 45
  • Modelling electro-mechanical behaviour in piezoelectric composites: Current status and perspectives on homogenisation
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, C Vidal, MS Carvalho
    Advances in Engineering Software 193, 103651 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 39
  • Railway occupant passive safety improvement by optimal design
    M Carvalho, J Milho, J Ambrosio, N Ramos
    International journal of crashworthiness 22 (6), 624-634 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 36
  • Implications of the inline seating layout on the protection of occupants of railway coach interiors
    M Carvalho, J Ambrosio, J Milho
    International Journal of Crashworthiness 16 (5), 557-568 , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 36
  • Reliability and NDT methods
    TG Santos, JP Oliveira, MA Machado, PL Inácio, VR Duarte, ...
    Additive Manufacturing Hybrid Processes for Composites Systems, 265-295 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 35
  • Identification of multibody vehicle models for crash analysis using an optimization methodology
    M Carvalho, J Ambrósio
    Multibody System Dynamics 24 (3), 325-345 , 2010
    2010
    Citations: 34
  • Granting sensorial properties to metal parts through friction stir processing
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, C Vidal
    Measurement 207, 112405 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 33
  • Double active transient thermography
    MA Machado, MI Silva, AP Martins, MS Carvalho, TG Santos
    NDT & E International 125, 102566 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 31
  • A validated railway vehicle interior layout with multibody dummies and finite element seats models for crash analysis
    J Ambrosio, M Carvalho, J Milho, S Escalante, R Martin
    Multibody System Dynamics 54 (2), 179-212 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 26
  • Railway seat design for injury mitigation in crash scenario
    MS Carvalho, AP Martins, J Milho
    International Journal of Rail Transportation 8 (3), 215-233 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 26
  • Validation of a railway inline seating model for occupants injury biomechanics
    M Carvalho, A Martins, J Milho
    International journal of crashworthiness 23 (3), 328-335 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 22
  • Nondestructive testing of 3D printed fiber-reinforced polymeric composites: an experimental critical comparison
    HV Silva, NP Catapirra, MS Carvalho, TG Santos, MA Machado
    3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing 11 (3), 1196-1208 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 21
  • Self-sensing metallic material based on PZT particles produced by friction stir processing envisaging structural health monitoring applications
    PM Ferreira, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, P Vilaça, G Sorger, JV Pinto, ...
    Materials Characterization 205, 113371 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 20
  • Double active thermographic inspection of additive manufacturing composites: numerical modelling and validation
    HV Silva, AP Martins, MA Machado, TG Santos, MS Carvalho
    Measurement 218, 113212 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 18
  • Development of generic road vehicle multibody models for crash analysis using an optimisation approach
    M Carvalho, J Ambrosio
    International Journal of Crashworthiness 16 (5), 537-556 , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 15
  • Inspection of composite parts produced by additive manufacturing: Air-coupled ultrasound and thermography
    MA Machado, PL Inácio, RA Santos, AF Gomes, AP Martins, MS Carvalho, ...
    58th Annual Conference of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing, NDT , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 14
  • Enabling electrical response through piezoelectric particle integration in AA2017-T451 aluminium parts using FSP technology
    PM Ferreira, D Caçador, MA Machado, MS Carvalho, P Vilaça, G Sorger, ...
    Smart Materials and Structures 33 (6), 065037 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 12
  • Interfacial failure of circular or tubular hybrid bonded joints: A theoretical description
    HC Biscaia, MS Carvalho, AP Martins, R Micaelo
    Engineering Failure Analysis 132, 105936 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 11