B1979 - Laboratory of computer-aid technical drawing for composites P

Learning outcomes

The student acquires the essential practical knowledge for the intelligent and conscious use of solid and surface-based 3D modeling systems, aimed at the creation of complex composite material constructions. They apply assembly-oriented modeling and develop the necessary skills to produce and interpret two-dimensional drawings and technical plans in accordance with current standards.

Course contents

The student will acquire advanced skills in the design and simulation of composite components, with a particular focus on polymer matrix composites, through an update and extension of previously acquired knowledge. Advanced 3D CAD software tools will be explored in depth, both for three-dimensional modeling and for the production of 2D technical drawings.

Students will learn to use specific tools for generating layout books and project drawings, effectively managing the entire technical documentation process. In addition, simulation techniques will be introduced to assess technological limitations in the manufacturing of complex components, with the goal of anticipating potential issues and optimizing the production process.

Finally, the student will learn to use finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the mechanical behavior of composite materials, developing the ability to predict the structural performance of the designed components.

Readings/Bibliography

Brückner, S., Allegra, G., Pegoraro, M., La Mantia, F. P., Di Landro, L., Malinconico, M., Scaffaro, R., Paoletti, S., Donati, I. (2007). Scienza e tecnologia dei materiali polimerici (2ª ed.). ISBN 978‑8879594233

Badini, C. (2013). Materiali compositi per l’ingegneria (Collana Strumenti per l’ingegneria). CELID. ISBN 978‑8876619922 (ed. aggiornata, prima ed. 2003 ISBN 978‑8876615894)

Cecchini, C. (2006). Plastiche: i materiali del possibile. Polimeri e compositi tra design e architettura. Alinea (Collana Design è…). ISBN 978‑8881258741





Matthews, F. L., Davies, G. A. O., & Hitchings, D. (2000). Finite Element Modelling of Composite Materials and Structures. Woodhead Publishing (CRC Press). ISBN 978‑1855734227

Barbero, E. J. (2014). Finite Element Analysis of Composite Materials Using ANSYS (2ª ed.). CRC Press. ISBN 978‑1466516892

Barbero, E. J. (2023). Finite Element Analysis of Composite Materials Using Abaqus (2ª ed.). CRC Press. ISBN 978‑0367621452

Bathe, K.-J. (1982). Finite Element Procedures in Engineering Analysis. Prentice Hall. ISBN 978‑0133173055

Reddy, J. N. (2021). An Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis: With Applications to Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Solid Mechanics (2ª ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978‑0198871392

Reddy, J. N. (2003). Mechanics of Laminated Composite Plates and Shells: Theory and Analysis (2ª ed.). CRC Press. ISBN 978‑0849315923

Teaching methods

The course will introduce the fundamental concepts of CAD, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and composite material modeling, with particular focus on both the theoretical and practical aspects of structural design. Students will learn the basic principles of the mechanical behavior of materials, the numerical formulations of FEM analysis, and the main types of loads and boundary conditions.

The course will also present the most widely used software tools in professional and academic contexts for structural simulation. The teaching approach will be oriented toward the practical application of theoretical concepts, with the aim of providing students with the skills necessary to address real-world engineering and composite design challenges.

The learning experience will be complemented by hands-on computer exercises, during which students will apply what they have learned to case studies and targeted projects. These exercises will guide students through all phases of analysis—from geometric modeling, to the definition of material properties and mesh generation, to the interpretation of results through post-processing.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on the presentation and discussion of an individual project developed by each student throughout the laboratory sessions.

The project is assigned by the instructor during the course and is progressively developed by the students with continuous guidance through periodic review sessions. These reviews are intended to monitor the progress of the work, verify the correct application of the methodologies introduced during the course, and provide feedback to support the project's development.

During the final assessment, each student is required to present the completed project, illustrating its development process, the design choices made, the tools employed, and the technical rationale underlying the proposed solutions. The project presentation represents the primary means of assessing the design, methodological, and practical skills acquired during the laboratory.

Following the project presentation, students take part in an oral examination aimed at evaluating both the theoretical knowledge and the practical competencies developed throughout the course. In particular, the oral discussion assesses:

• the knowledge and effective use of the software tools adopted during the laboratory, including questions on key commands and workflows;
• the understanding of the theoretical concepts and methodologies covered during the course;
• the ability to critically justify design decisions and relate theoretical principles to the developed project.

The overall assessment considers both the quality of the individual project and the competencies demonstrated during the oral discussion.

As this course is organized as a laboratory, the final result is expressed as pass/fail.

Students are required to register for the examination sessions through AlmaEsami within the deadlines established by the University. Examination dates will be published online in due time according to the academic calendar. Registration for the examination session is mandatory for the pass to be officially recorded.

In accordance with the University’s Code of Ethics, students are reminded to act with the utmost integrity. Any activity intended to improperly alter the outcome of exams is prohibited (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, accessing online educational resources, or using unauthorized AI tools). Please note in particular that the mere possession of unauthorized devices or materials during an exam will result in the immediate cancellation of the exam and a report to the relevant offices.
Behavior that violates this prohibition may lead to disciplinary proceedings or reports to the competent authorities, if criminally relevant; in the latter case, there is a risk that the students involved may face criminal proceedings.

Teaching tools

Software UNIBO for teaching and simulation.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Piancastelli

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