About ANDEXTRA

ANDEXTRA — Analysis, Design, Training — is a French engineering consultancy founded on a single conviction: simulation is only valuable when its results are fully understood and translated into sound engineering decisions.

Founded by Aldo Cocchi, PhD, ANDEXTRA combines doctoral-level expertise in composite mechanics, extensive industrial experience, and hands-on manufacturing knowledge. This combinationof scientific rigour, engineering judgement and practical understanding enables ANDEXTRA to deliver structural solutions that are rigorous, traceable, and buildable.

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Aix-Marseille University – CNRS, Laboratoire de Mécanique et d'Acoustique (LMA), France

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, funded by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and conducted at Aix-Marseille University in collaboration with the CNRS Laboratoire de Mécanique et d'Acoustique (LMA), France.

Double Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Materials & Structures)
University of Ferrara, Italy & Aix-Marseille University, France

Graduated with 110/110 cum laude.

Publications

Peer-reviewed research in composite mechanics, structural behaviour and experimental identification.

  • Hochard,C., Cocchi, A. & Montagnier, O.(2023) - Analysis of the fracture characteristic volume for laminated composite structures with stress concentrations in compression. Journal of Composite Materials, 57(9), 1617-1626.

  • Ferrier, R., Cocchi, A. & Hochard, C.(2021) - Modified constitutive relation error for field identification. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 122(24),7553-7580.

  • Cocchi, A., Montagnier, O. & Hochard, C. (2021) - Compression behaviour in fibre direction of FRP composites. Composites Part A, 144, 106332.

  • Jauffret, M., Cocchi, A et al. (2020) - Textile Composite Damage Analysis Taking into Account the Forming Process. Materials, 13(23), 5337.

Ph.D. thesis - Cocchi, A. (2020)

Analysis of compressive behaviour in fibre direction of laminated composite structures in presence of matrix degradation and stress concentrations. Aix-Marseille University.

Research presented at ECCM 18, JNC 21 and the 25th Congrès Français de Mécanique.

Career experience

Prior to founding ANDEXTRA, Aldo Cocchi worked on major aerospace and defence programmes including projects at Dassault Aviation, Airbus Helicopters, and MBDA.

Hel also led the Experimental Mechanics Platform at CNRS-LMA developing expertise in structural analysis, composite design, advanced numerical sumulation and hands-on mechanical testing.

This combination of industrial engineering, academic research and experimental mechanics forms the technical foundation of ANDEXTRA’s approach today.

Tools

  • Nonlinear FEM solver
  • OpenFOAM
  • Parametric CAD
  • Python
  • Onshape
  • 3D DIC / ARAMIS

Beyond simulation — experimental characterisation

ANDEXTRA’s approach extends beyond numerical simulation.

Drawing on Dr Cocchi’s experience at CNRS-LMA, where he managed the Experimental Mechanics plateform and led instrumented test campaigns for Airbus Helicopters and BW Ideol, ANDEXTRA brings strong hands-on expertise in experimental mechanics and structural testing.

Experience in 3D DIC measurement, test fixture design, and test-analysis correlation supports model calibration, digital twin development and simulation validation.

The result is simulation grounded in physical evidence, not assumptions alone.

Engineering philosophy

Structural efficiency

Maximum performance at minimum mass

Engineering clarity

Results explained, not just delivered

Practical innovation

Solutions that can be built, not only simulated

gears

Manufacturing awareness

Design and process defined together, never in sequence

How we work

A structured four-step methodology combining rigorous analysis with practical engineering judgement:

Problem definition

understand loading conditions, material constraints, and design objectives

01

Modelling and simulation

develop analytical and numerical models calibrated against physical reality

02

Iteration and optimisation

close the design loop efficiently using automated workflows

03

Validation support

define test strategies and correlate simulation with experimental data

04

Technical Training

ANDEXTRA also offers targeted technical training for engineering teams.

Drawing on Dr Cocchi's background in academic research, industrial engineering and higher education, workshops can cover composite materials behaviour, FEM simulation methodology, and structural optimisation methods.

Training is adapted to the client's technical level and objectives and can be delivered as focused half-day sessions or more extensive programmes.

Contact us to discuss your team's needs.

Languages: French · English · Italian

Based: Bordeaux region, France. Operating internationally.

Legal information

Company name: ANDEXTRA