73205 - Aerospace Technologies and Materials

Learning outcomes

The student is able to apply the principles of materials and process selection for minimum weight design in aerospace applications. The student knows how to identify the main factors influencing the selection of the manufacturing process. The student acquires also competences on advanced structural materials for aircraft components, propulsion applications and space vehicles.

Course contents

1) Introduction to aeronautical materials. Recent progress in materials, technologies and requirements. Current regulations concerning materials and technologies. Structural efficiency. Merit indices. Selection of materials and technologies.

2) Metallic materials: constitutive equations; aluminum, magnesium, titanium alloys; steel and cast iron; technologies.

3) Polymers and elastomers: constituive equations; technologies.

4) Composite materials: constitutive equations; composite laminates; resin matrix composites: reinforcements, matrices, foams and fillers; innovative composite materials; fabrication technologies: autoclave moulding, filament winding, pultrusion moulding, thermoplastic moulding; tooling: laser and water-jet.

5)Non-conventional materials and technologies: Additive Manufacturing, Shape Memory Alloys, Smart Materials, Self Healing Materials.

6)Joints: rivets, welding, adhesive joints.

7)Production management. Non-destructive tests, maintenance and repair techniques. Quality issues.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Slides and lecture notes.

Optional readings:

F.C. Campbell: “Manufacturing technology for aerospace structural materials”, Elsevier, 2006.

F.C. Campbell: “Structural composites materials”, Materials Park : ASM International, 2010.

D.F. Horne: "Aircraft Production Technology", Cambridge Univ Press, 1986.

D.H. Middleton: "Composite Materials in Aircraft Structures", Longman S.&T., UK, 1990.

R.M. Jones: “Mechanics of Composite Materials”, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York.

Lubin: "Handbook of Composites", Van Nostrand, New York, 1998.
Schwartz: "Composite Materials Handbook", McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1983.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures.

Practical classes in the University labs (materials lab, V-Lab).

Attendance of laboratory activities requires completion of Modules 1 and 2 through e-learning, as well as participation in Module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study environments. Information on the dates and attendance arrangements for Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the degree programme's website.

Assessment methods

The final grade is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the Project Work assessment (graded on a 33-point scale) and the oral examination assessment (graded on a 33-point scale).

If the average is not a whole number, it will be rounded up to the next integer.

Honours (Laude) may be awarded by the Professor if the final grade exceeds 30/33.

Project Work: the aim of the project work is to conduct a literature review and an on-site investigation of an emerging technology relevant to the aerospace sector. The project must be presented during the examination through a PowerPoint presentation and accompanied by a written report, which must be submitted at least one week before the examination date.

Project Work Assessment Criteria:

• Satisfactory knowledge of the topic and a sufficiently accurate and reasonably complete report → 18–19;
• Fair knowledge of the topic and a generally accurate and reasonably complete report → 20–24;
• Good knowledge of the topic and an accurate and comprehensive report → 25–29;
• Excellent knowledge of the topic and a highly accurate, thorough, and comprehensive report → 30–33.

Oral Examination: The purpose of the oral examination is to assess the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course and to make the necessary logical and deductive connections between concepts.

Oral Examination Assessment Criteria:

• Satisfactory understanding of the course topics and sufficiently correct use of the appropriate technical terminology → 18–19;
• Fair understanding of the course topics and correct use of the appropriate technical terminology → 20–24;
• Good understanding of the course topics and confident command of the appropriate technical terminology → 25–29;
• Excellent understanding of the course topics, full command of the appropriate technical terminology, and strong analytical, critical reasoning, and self-reflection skills → 30–33.

In accordance with the University Code of Ethics (Codice Etico di Ateneo), students’ attention is drawn to the obligation to adopt conduct based on the highest standards of integrity.

Any activity that may compromise the proper conduct of examinations is prohibited, including but not limited to:

• cheating and plagiarism;
• access to online learning resources;
• use of artificial intelligence tools;
• use or possession of unauthorized materials or equipment.

It is specified that the mere possession of unauthorized tools or materials during the conduct of any examination results in the immediate invalidation of the submitted work and notification to the competent offices.

Any conduct in violation of the above provisions may result in disciplinary proceedings and, where criminal relevance applies, reports to the competent authorities, with the consequent risk of criminal proceedings being initiated against the students involved.

Teaching tools

PC, projector, blackboard, lab equipments and facilities.

Office hours

See the website of Sara Bagassi