Émilien Azéma

Émilien Azéma is a Professor at the University of Montpellier since 2023, affiliated with the Department of Mechanics in the Faculty of Sciences and the Mechanics and Civil Engineering Laboratory (LMGC). Since 2024, he also holds an Associate Professor position at Polytechnique Montréal in the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering.

• Primary Institution: University of Montpellier, France
• Secondary Appointment: Polytechnique Montréal, Canada
• Research Recognition: French University Institute (IUF) Research Chair (2020-2025)

Dr. Azéma received his complete education at the University of Montpellier, earning degrees in Mathematics, Solid Mechanics, and completing his Doctorate and Habilitation (HDR) in Mechanics. His doctoral research focused on railway ballast behavior using Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, supported by a joint CNRS and SNCF grant.

• Licence/Maîtrise (Master 1) in Mathematics
• DEA (Master 2) in Solid Mechanics
• Doctorate in Mechanics
• Habilitation (HDR) in Mechanics

His research program centers on the micromechanics of granular systems with realistic microstructure. Using innovative Discrete Element Method (DEM) approaches, he systematically investigates the nonlinear effects of particle shape characteristics (angularity, non-convexity, elongation) and size polydispersity on granular rheology across flow regimes from quasi-static to rapid. His work extends to evolving granular systems where particles can fragment or undergo large deformations, with applications to geomechanical materials, industrial powders, and extraterrestrial granular systems.

An analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on particle shape effects, cohesive strength mechanisms, and polydisperse system behavior. His research bridges fundamental granular physics with practical applications in railway engineering, planetary science (particularly asteroid regolith modeling), and geomechanics, appearing in high-impact journals including Physical Review E, Granular Matter, and Icarus.

Dr. Azéma's significant research contributions have been recognized through:

• A prestigious Research Chair from the French University Institute (IUF) as Junior Member (2020-2025)
• An extensive publication record with 81 publications across multiple high-impact journals

He teaches core courses in solid mechanics, numerical computation, finite element method, discrete approaches, and rheology of granular media. His administrative responsibilities include:

• International affairs coordinator at the Faculty of Sciences (since 2018)
• Responsible for the first year curriculum of the Mechanical Engineering Master's program (since 2021)

His primary research laboratory is the Mechanics and Civil Engineering Laboratory (LMGC) at the University of Montpellier, where he conducts his investigations into granular media and solid mechanics phenomena, with significant collaborations extending to Polytechnique Montréal and international institutions.