Manuel FRANCOIS

Manuel FRANCOIS is a Full Professor at the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT), France, where he has been a faculty member since 2000. He is affiliated with the Mechanical Engineering Department within the university's engineering framework. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held significant leadership positions including Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department (2004-2005), Development Director of UTT (2006-2008), and Head of the LASMIS Research Laboratory (2008-2012).

Professor FRANCOIS received his engineering degree from ENSAM (Arts et Métiers ParisTech) in 1985, followed by a Master's in Metallurgy from University Paris Sorbonne in 1987. His academic credentials include a PhD in Mechanics of Materials from ENSAM in 1991 and a Habilitation degree from University of Nantes in 1999. His professional journey includes positions as Research Engineer at SERAM/ENSAM (1988-1993) and Associate Professor at IUT de Saint-Nazaire (1993-2000) before joining UTT.

His research focuses on mechanics of materials, particularly residual stress analysis using diffraction techniques. He specializes in X-ray diffraction for stress measurement, multiscale characterization of materials, and analysis of mechanical behavior through instrumented indentation. His work bridges experimental mechanics with materials science, addressing challenges in manufacturing processes, fatigue analysis, and material characterization across multiple scales. His teaching activities cover mechanics of materials, forming processes, residual stresses, and materials characterization across multiple engineering programs at UTT.

Professor FRANCOIS has maintained a prolific research output with publications spanning from 2014 to 2025. His recent work shows a consistent focus on advanced stress measurement techniques, particularly using diffraction methods. The research trends indicate increasing sophistication in multiscale modeling, with growing emphasis on novel manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing and surface treatments such as laser texturing and shot peening. His work increasingly incorporates advanced characterization techniques including neutron diffraction and synchrotron radiation.

Throughout his career, Professor FRANCOIS has demonstrated leadership in both academic administration and research. He has directed significant institutional initiatives, including the creation of a UTT antenna in Nogent (2007-2011). His research laboratory leadership at LASMIS has fostered interdisciplinary work connecting mechanical engineering with materials science and advanced manufacturing.

Professor FRANCOIS has contributed extensively to the field through his work at the LASMIS Research Laboratory, where he served as Head from 2008-2012. The laboratory focuses on mechanical and material engineering, providing facilities for advanced materials characterization and mechanical testing. His team has collaborated with industrial partners on projects related to residual stress analysis, surface treatments, and materials behavior under various loading conditions.