- Docente: Enrico Corti
- Credits: 6
- SSD: IIND-06/B
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Forli
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Mechanical Engineering (cod. 0949)
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from Sep 14, 2026 to Dec 14, 2026
Learning outcomes
The course adopts an engineering approach that, starting from fundamental physical laws, leads to the analysis and design of real machines. At the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge and skills in the field of fluid machines and internal combustion engines.
Knowledge and understanding
- main physical phenomena governing the operation of dynamic pumps, positive displacement pumps, hydraulic turbines, and internal combustion engines
- relationships between general physical laws and their application to specific machines
- methods for performance evaluation and machine sizing
- principles of control and regulation of machines and energy systems
- apply physical laws to estimate machine performance
- interpret machine behavior based on theoretical models
- analyze the influence of operating parameters on performance and design
- identify appropriate control strategies
- critically evaluate the performance of different types of machines
- compare alternative solutions under given operating conditions
- clearly describe physical phenomena and machine operation using appropriate technical language
- develop the ability to independently deepen knowledge in energy systems and fluid machinery
Course contents
The course is organized into the following modules.
Internal Combustion Engines
1. Thermodynamic cycles and fundamentals
- Otto, Diesel and Sabathé cycles
- p–V and T–s diagrams
- thermodynamic efficiency
- comparison between cycles under different operating conditions
- limiting cycle and influence of fluid properties
- exhaust gas temperature
- real indicator diagrams
- indicated and mechanical efficiency
- mean effective pressure and specific consumption
- thermal power evaluation
- effects of load and rotational speed
- performance curves (power, torque, fuel consumption)
- control strategies for SI and CI engines
- stoichiometry and air–fuel ratio (A/F, λ)
- chemical kinetics (Arrhenius equation)
- premixed and diffusion combustion
- laminar and turbulent flame propagation
- heat release models (ROHR)
- characteristic parameters (MFB50)
- cycle-to-cycle variability
- influence of operating parameters on combustion
- knock and abnormal combustion in SI engines
- octane number
- ignition delay and cetane number
- diesel combustion process
- effects of injection systems (common rail)
- formation of pollutants (NOx, CO, HC, PM)
- influence of operating conditions
- after-treatment systems:
- three-way catalyst
- EGR
- DPF, SCR, LNT (overview)
- control strategies (lambda, ignition timing, load)
- torque control strategies
- air and fuel management systems (MAF, speed-density, alpha-n)
- open-loop and closed-loop control
- injection and ignition actuation
Fluid Machines
7. Fundamentals of fluid machinery
- energy equation for closed and open systems
- general energy equation
- Euler equation and velocity triangles
- architecture and operating principle
- theoretical and real head
- characteristic curves and operating point
- efficiencies (hydraulic, volumetric, mechanical)
- regulation and off-design operation
- similarity laws
- dimensionless parameters and design charts (Balje, Cordier)
- operating principles and displacement
- theoretical and real characteristics
- rotary (vane, gear) and reciprocating pumps
- losses and volumetric efficiency
- regulation and operational issues
- priming
- cavitation and NPSH
- experimental determination of performance
- available energy and efficiency
- Pelton turbine: operating principle, velocity triangles, performance
- Francis turbine: architecture, flow behavior, draft tube
- Kaplan and axial turbines
- application range and comparison
Readings/Bibliography
Mandatory material
Lecture notes, slides and supplementary materials are provided in digital format on the University e-learning platform (Moodle).
These materials are sufficient for exam preparation.
Reference books
- V. Dossena et al., Fluid Machines, Città Studi, 2015
- G. Cornetti, F. Millo, Gas Machines, Il Capitello, 2015
- G. Ferrari, Internal Combustion Engines, Esculapio, 2019
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through lectures, where theoretical concepts and machine models are introduced.
The teaching approach follows an engineering methodology: starting from the physical description of phenomena, simplified models are developed, equations are derived, and applied to performance analysis, design, and control of machines.
Multimedia tools (presentations, experimental data, animations) may be used to support the lectures. Class attendance is strongly recommended, although not mandatory, and does not directly affect the final grade.
Lectures are recorded and made available on the Moodle platform to support students who cannot attend in person and, at the end of the course, to facilitate revision.
Assessment methods
The assessment consists of a final oral exam. The exam includes three questions, each related to one of the main course topics (internal combustion engines, pumps, turbines).
Each question is graded from 0 to 10; the final mark is expressed in thirtieths (/30). The assessment aims to evaluate:
- Knowledge and understanding: comprehension of physical phenomena and theoretical models
- Applying knowledge: ability to use equations and models to interpret machine behavior
- Making judgements: ability to critically analyze performance and operating conditions
- Communication skills: ability to present concepts clearly using analytical, graphical and verbal descriptions
- physical descriptions of machine operation
- mathematical models and equations
- graphical representations (diagrams, sketches)
Questions are drawn from the list of topics provided on the Moodle platform. The course “Machines” (6 CFU) is part of the integrated course “Machines and Energy Systems” (12 CFU).
The final grade is the arithmetic average of the marks obtained in the two modules, rounded up to the nearest integer.
“30 cum laude” is awarded according to the rules defined for the integrated course.
The exam schedule is made available well in advance on the University of Bologna’s AlmaEsami web platform. Registration for an exam session is possible from 15 to 7 days before the exam date. At the time of the exam, students must present a valid identity document. If the number of registered students is greater than 10, the first question will be administered in written form. In the event that it is not possible to hold the exam in person, the oral exam will be conducted via Zoom or Teams.
The use of artificial intelligence tools to answer exam questions is not permitted. During the written exam, students may only have a sheet of paper and a pen with them: the presence of any other device or tool, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or smartwatch, will result in the cancellation of the exam and postponement to the next exam session.
Teaching tools
The following teaching support materials are provided:
- lecture slides and notes
- multimedia materials (presentations, datasets, animations)
- supplementary materials and exercises
Office hours
See the website of Enrico Corti