Manuscript preparation

2.1 General Requirements

File Format: Submit manuscripts as Microsoft Word (.docx) files Language: English or Italian (bilingual abstracts required - see Section 2.3) Length: Typically 8-15 pages including figures, tables, and references Font: Times New Roman, 12pt for body text Line Spacing: Single spacing throughout Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides Page Numbering: Not required for submission

2.2 Manuscript Structure

Manuscripts must follow this exact order:

  1. Title (in primary language)
  2. Author Information
  3. Article Information Box
  4. Abstract/Sommario (bilingual)
  5. Keywords (in primary language)
  6. Main Text
  7. References

2.3 Title Page Elements

Title

  • Concise and descriptive
  • Maximum 150 characters including spaces
  • Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns
  • No abbreviations except standard units

Author Information

Format each author as:

 
FirstName LastName¹,*, FirstName LastName², FirstName LastName¹

Superscript notation:

  • Numbers (¹,²,³) for institutional affiliations
  • Asterisk (*) for corresponding author

Affiliations:

  • List below author names
  • Include: Department, Institution, Street Address, Postal Code, City, Country
  • Corresponding author: add email address
  • Format: ¹Department, University Name, Address, City, Country, email@domain.com

Article Information Box

Create a two-column table with the following structure:

Left Column - ARTICLE INFO:

 
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Article history:
Received: [date]
Received in revised form: [date]  
Accepted: [date]
Available online: [date]

Keywords:
[5-7 keywords separated by line breaks]

Right Column - ABSTRACT/SOMMARIO:

  • English abstract (150-250 words)
  • Italian sommario (if primary language is English)
  • Or vice versa if primary language is Italian

2.4 Abstract Requirements

Structure: Unstructured paragraph format Length: 150-250 words Content: Briefly state the purpose, methods, key results, and conclusions Language: Must include both English and Italian versions Keywords: 5-7 terms not appearing in the title

3. MAIN TEXT FORMATTING

3.1 Headings Hierarchy

Level 1: Numbered, ALL CAPS

 
1. INTRODUZIONE

Level 2: Numbered, Title Case

 
2.1 Material Modeling

Level 3: Numbered, sentence case

 
2.1.1 Constitutive equations

3.2 Text Formatting

  • Paragraphs: Justified alignment, no indentation
  • Emphasis: Use italics for emphasis, bold for strong emphasis
  • Variables: Italicize all mathematical variables and symbols
  • Units: Use SI units throughout, non-italicized

3.3 Citations and References

In-Text Citations

  • Use square brackets: [1], [2,3], [4-6]
  • Multiple citations in ascending order
  • Cite at the end of sentences before punctuation

Reference List Format

Number references consecutively in order of appearance.

Journal Articles:

 
[1] Author, A.B., Author, C.D., "Title of article," Journal Name, Vol. X, No. Y, pp. XX-YY, Year.

Books:

 
[2] Author, A.B., Book Title, Edition. Publisher, Year.

Conference Papers:

 
[3] Author, A.B., "Title," in Proceedings of Conference Name, Location, Date, pp. XX-YY.

Websites:

 
[4] https://www.website.com/ (accessed Date)

4. FIGURES AND TABLES

4.1 General Requirements

  • Numbering: Sequential (Figure 1, Table 1, etc.)
  • Placement: As close as possible to first mention in text
  • Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for photos)
  • Size: Readable when printed at journal format

4.2 Figures

Format and Style

  • File types: EPS, EMF, PNG, or high-quality JPEG
  • Size: Maximum width 17 cm (full page) or 8.5 cm (column width)
  • Fonts: Arial or similar sans-serif, minimum 8pt
  • Line thickness: Minimum 0.5pt

Figure Captions

 
Figura 1 -- Brief descriptive title. Detailed explanation of the figure content, 
methodology used, and any relevant technical details.

Multi-part Figures

  • Label parts as (a), (b), (c), etc.
  • Reference in text as "Figure 1a" or "Figura 1a"

4.3 Tables

Format Requirements

  • Use Word's table function (not images)
  • Header row: Bold text, centered
  • Data rows: Left-aligned text, right-aligned numbers
  • Borders: Simple black lines, 0.5pt thickness

Table Captions

 
Tabella 1 -- Descriptive title. Additional explanation of table contents, 
measurement conditions, and abbreviations used.

Table Content

  • Include units in column headers
  • Use consistent decimal places
  • Explain all abbreviations in caption

5. MATHEMATICAL CONTENT

5.1 Equations

Formatting

  • Display equations: Centered, numbered consecutively
  • Inline equations: Use equation editor for complex expressions
  • Variables: Italicized (σ, ε, E)
  • Functions: Roman text (sin, cos, log)
  • Subscripts/Superscripts: Use appropriately

Equation Numbering

 
σ = C : ε                    (1)

Complex Equations

For multi-line equations, align at equals signs:

 
H = M/r = 5000 Nm/0.1 m = 50 kN     (2)

5.2 Nomenclature

Include a nomenclature section if more than 10 symbols are used:

  • Order: Alphabetical (Roman, then Greek)
  • Format: Symbol = Definition [Units]

6. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

6.1 Technical Drawings and CAD Models

  • Software files: Include original CAD files as supplementary material
  • 2D drawings: Convert to high-quality vector formats (EPS/EMF)
  • 3D renderings: Minimum 1200×900 pixels, 300 DPI
  • Assembly drawings: Show clear part identification

6.2 Experimental Data

  • Raw data: Include as supplementary files when possible
  • Error bars: Show uncertainty/standard deviation where applicable
  • Methodology: Clearly describe experimental setup and procedures

6.3 Simulation Results

  • Mesh information: Include details about finite element models
  • Convergence studies: Report mesh independence verification
  • Software: Specify version and key settings used