73470 - Shape Optimization Methods T

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has the basic elements for evaluating the shape of an object for the purpose of its ability to withstand mechanical stresses to which it is subjected. In particular he/she knows: the geometry of masses; the relationship between material and resistance to stress.

Course contents

Equilibrium and Structural Constraints

Review of rigid body mechanics. Forces and moments. Planar equilibrium conditions. Fundamental support conditions and their mechanical functions (roller support, pin support, fixed support). Degrees of freedom of structures. Distinction between statically determinate, statically indeterminate, and unstable structural systems. Examples of structural systems in product design, furniture, and industrial products.

Analysis of Planar Structures

Determination of support reactions using the equations of equilibrium. Simply supported beams and cantilevers. Interpretation of loading conditions typically encountered in industrial products.

Truss Structures

Principles of truss behavior. Tension and compression members. Stability of equilibrium. Slenderness of compression members.

Internal Forces

Concepts of axial force, shear force, and bending moment. Qualitative and quantitative internal force diagrams for structures subjected to concentrated and distributed loads.

Stress Analysis and Strength of Materials

Concepts of stress and strain. Allowable stress and safety factor. Mechanical behavior of structural materials commonly used in product design (ductile and brittle materials). Strength verification under tension, compression, bending, shear, and torsion.

Section Properties, Cross-Section Design, and Shape Optimization

Definition of centroid, first moment of area, and second moment of area. Principal axes of inertia, central ellipse of inertia, and core (kern) of the cross-section. Comparison of common cross-sectional shapes (rectangular, hollow, L-, T-, and I-sections). Relationship between cross-sectional geometry and structural stiffness. Influence of geometry on structural behavior. Design applications in furniture, components, and industrial products.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides and lecture notes.

ENGINEERING MECHANICS: STATICS, SI UNITS. 15th edition. Russell C. Hibbeler. ISBN-10 1292444045. Presente in formato cartaceo presso la biblioteca Dore e edizione digitale in AlmaRE. (CONSIGLIATO)

MECCANICA DEI SOLIDI 5/ED - EDIZIONE CON IMMAGINI AGGIORNATE 5ed. ISBN: 978-88-386-0125-5 di Ferdinand P. Beer, E. Russell Johnston, John T. DeWolf, David F. Mazurek. Presente in formato cartaceo presso la biblioteca Dore (3 copie).

MECCANICA DEI SOLIDI E DELLE STRUTTURE - 11/ED. Teoria e applicazioni. Giuseppe Ruta, Russell C. Hibbeler, Maurizio De Angelis, Anna Reggio. ISBN 9788891906793. Presente in formato cartaceo presso la biblioteca Foraboschi.

Statics and Mechanics of Materials. 6th edition. Russell C. Hibbeler. ISBN-10 0137964897. Non posseduto cartaceo. Edizione digitale in AlmaRE.

Guagenti E., Buccino F., Garavaglia E., Novati G., Statica – Fondamenti di meccanica strutturale, McGraw Hill.

Comi C., Corradi Dell'Acqua L., Introduzione alla meccanica strutturale, McGraw Hill.

Viola E., Esercitazioni di Scienza delle Costruzioni, Vol. 1, Pitagora Editrice.

Viola E., Esercitazioni di Scienza delle Costruzioni, Vol. 2, Pitagora Editrice.

Teaching methods

Lectures and exercises in the classroom.

Homework and two practical activities.

Assessment methods

USE OF AI DURING THE EXAM

AI can be a useful tool to support individual study through in-depth insights, summaries, and self-assessment activities. However, regarding the assessment of learning, the use of AI during in-person exams is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity

FOR ERASMUS STUDENTS: Erasmus students that are willing to attend classes of Statics should have basic knowledge of Italian language (it is a reccomendation, not mandatory).

The exam consists of a written exam followed by an oral exam. The written exam consists in the resolution of exercises.

The oral examination covers ALL the course program (the program should be downloaded from the website).

The written exams will be planned in June, July, September, January and February.

The oral exam is usually scheduled the same day of the written exam.

Those who pass the written exam, can give the oral exam. If a student is not satisfied with the grade obtained in a test can redo the written exam. At the end, the last written vote counts ONLY (not the best written!).

Teaching tools

Slides of the course and exercises available on the platform https://virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Gentilini

See the website of Said Quqa