This October, I had my final secondment at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, Croatia. I worked under the supervision of Prof. Gordan Jelenić and had the opportunity to have several interactions with Prof. Leo Škec. During my stay, I focused on return mapping algorithms for the plasticity modelling within the framework of velocity-based finite element formulation using different methods. The developed algorithm was tested for different nonlinear material models (with both hardening and softening charecteristics).

Apart from research activities, I also attended a doctoral seminar of Dr. Marin Grbac and had several opportunities to interact with other members of the research group.

During the weekends, I explored the city, the beach, and local cuisines. Despite the stay was during the end of the summer, fortunately we had several warm and sunny days which made it even more pleasant. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity and to the members of URFCE for their warm welcome and I look forward to visiting again for the final conference and Researcher’s night next year.

Contributed by Sudhanva Kusuma Chandrashekhara (ESR 14)