The course is aimed to students following higher degree programs (Laurea magistrale) in Aeronautical Engineering, Space Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering willing to complete their knowledge with concepts of structural mechanics, materials science and technology, which were introduced in previous courses (as for example Tecnologie e Materiali Aerospaziali I).

The topics covered concern special and advanced materials, structures and technologies for aerospace applications. This includes:

·         advanced composites, materials for gossamer structures, thermal protections, smart materials, self-healing and bio-mimetic materials,

·         sandwich and morphing structures, smart systems (equipped with smart sensing/actuation materials), micro and nano systems (MEMS, NEMS),

·         rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing.

Consideration will be given to aspects related to the health of aeronautic/space structures comprising functional degradation, damage inspection and repair techniques.

After attending the course and after the final examination, the student will:

·         know the physical principles, main characteristics and properties of the materials of interest in aerospace applications;

·         know the technologies in use in aerospace applications;

·         know the working principles of the main smart materials and innovative materials;

·         know the current research trends in the application of smart materials, innovative materials and smart structures;

·         be able to apply the above knowledge to a critical description and discussion of the devices and related materials properties, limitations and developments;

·         be able to apply the above described knowledge to the design of new structural components

These learning outcomes are expected to provide the student with the needed knowledge tools necessary for successfully performing their future activities in an industrial environment, with particular reference to the design of specialized structural components and smart systems, with elements of general theory of the various components, computer-assisted design and implementation of technological demonstrators.

The program will cover aspects related to innovative materials and technologies as well as degradation issues in atmospheric and space environment, with particular reference to the application of special structural solutions. More in details:

Smart materials: principles and classification. Shape memory alloys, Piezoelectric materials, Fiber optics and their structural monitoring applications, Self-healing materials. Design of Smart Structures. Micro- and nano-technologies (Micro-electro-mechanical-systems – MEMS. Nano-electro-mechanical-systems – NEMS). Rapid prototyping and rapid tooling. Bio-mimetic concepts.

Tribology and corrosion principles. Surface treatments. Hygrothermal, edge and notches effects in composites. Production defects; fatigue, impact, environmental aging. Degradation of materials in space environment. Non-destructive testing (NDT). Repairing techniques.

Fiber Metal Laminates – FML. Metal Matrix Composites – MMC. Ceramic Matrix Composites – CMC. Thermal Protection Systems – TPS. Gossamer structures. Morphing structures.

Classroom exercises and laboratory activities will be devoted to the design, manufacturing and testing of smart systems, with elements of general theory of the various components, computer-assisted design and implementation of technological demonstrators.

Specific seminars will be planned by engineers from the main aerospace Italian industries.

Prerequisite is the knowledge of the basics of materials and technologies used in aerospace constructions, also in light of the concepts of structural mechanics. Specifically, the main features of the material classes for aerospace applications (metals, polymers, ceramics and composites) will be considered known, as well as their manufacturing and processing technologies.

The examination is an oral discussion about the course topics, chosen by the examiner. The student must be able to clearly describe and critically discuss the proposed topics, highlighting the assumptions, critical points, materials properties, device architecture and properties, physical meaning and its consequences, including the mathematical approach where needed. The student may be asked to apply the theoretical knowledge to specific examples, with a quantitative approach.