PhD in Aerospace Science and Technology

The PhD programme pursues the education of researchers and high-qualified engineers, operating in the typical fields of Aerospace Engineering and able to address issues related to design and research activities in disciplines such as:

• Aerodynamics and fluid dynamics
• Tribological behavior of metallic materials, with and without surface modifications
• Metallurgical features of metallic components produced by innovative process such as additive manufacturing
• Mechanical and aerospace design and structures
• Astronautics, Space Systems, and Exploration
• Microstructure and mechanical properties of advanced metals and metal matrix composites
• Flight mechanics and control
• Experimental stress analysis, characterization and development of constitutive models
• Design methods and tools in industrial engineering
• Mechanical and aerospace technologies and materials
• Mechanical and Thermal Measurements, applied to aerospace systems
• Aerospace Propulsion

Appointed by RD n. 709/2023 Prot n. 149534 on Jun 02, 2023

The PhD course in Aerospace Science and Technology takes is developed through a detailed program provided by the Graduate School Council. The research period ends with the preparation of a thesis, under the supervision of one or more supervisors. The PhD course provides a training program with academic and professional purposes. It develops the candidate's ability te carry out research and projects in an independent, systematic and in-depth approach through specialist courses and seminars. The candidates must also demonstrate that they can present and defend their work in a clear and effective way, in Italian and English.

Research programs encompass experimental and numerical/modelling activities within the scientific sectors typical of the Aerospace Science and Technology, that characterize this Doctoral Program. These activities are carried out in collaboration with other academic research groups, national and international companies, entities, agencies, with the objective of training highly professional individuals, which could directly enter the industrial or academic sector. Further, the Doctoral students, depending on the specific needs of their research groups, will attend specific seminars to enhance their ability to use the most important databases of international literature and on-line resources, and will participate in international conferences and workshops, where they will also present the results of their research activities.

The research-oriented training activity include:

• Development of a research project within the selected topic
• Capacity building of an independent attitude for scientific investigation, by carrying out theoretical and experimental activities under the guidance of researchers with proven experience in the field
• Participation in seminars and specific training courses
• Preparation and publication of technical and scientific papers in English
• Presentation of research results at international meetings
• A training period abroad, consistent with the selected research topic, of at least 3 months

The research activities of the PhD students are often performed in collaboration with international research centres and companies, with the request to spend a research and training period abroad at the involved institutions. On the basis of the existing scientific collaborations with European and international institutions, the participation of foreign students is also encouraged. Advertisement is implemented through specific information in the DAST website. Other elements of internationalization are provided in the candidate selection phase: the oral examination is carried out in English, also by electronic means for candidates residing abroad. We foresee the participation of foreign teachers and representatives of foreign industries, research centers and agencies in educational activities. Doctoral students are encouraged to improve the level of their certified language skills both in English and in Italian in the case of foreign students, through the use of courses at the Linguistic Center of the University (CLA). The PhD Program can guarantee the issuance of cotutelle titles. The participation of UNIBO to the European Network PEGASUS (www.pegasus-europe.org - Partnership of a European Group of Aeronautics and Space UniversitieS), a network of aerospace universities courses in Europe created in order to facilitate student exchanges and collaborative research between universities, guarantees a constant exchange with the main academic entities in Europe with First, Second, and Third level courses in Aerospace Engineering. The internationalization of the Doctorate is also promoted by the presence in the board of professors belonging to well-known Universities and International Research Centers who, acting also as advisors, highlight critical elements at this level and promote improvement actions.

The key contribution deals with innovative and original research results, in the research field selected by the PhD candidate. These results will be disseminated  through publications, patents and participation in international conferences. The DAST doctoral students will produce a Thesis in English as a final "product" of their PhD course, showing the innovative results achieved during their doctoral studies. Another desirable outcome is the organization of thematic sessions and seminars on the specific research area, and on the innovative results that have been achieved by the PhD students.