PROGETTAZIONE MECCANICA AVANZATA CON METODI SPERIMENTALI E NUMERICI

The course includes a 9-CFU section (Prof. G. Mirone) ed a 3-CFU section (Prof. R. Barbagallo).

Knowledge and understanding

Extensive training about finite elements modeling (FEM) will be carried out, for enabling the students to predict the structural response within the frameworks of elastoplasticity, dynamics, structural integrity and damage tolerance.

In order to achieve such objective, notions of material mechanics and experimental characterization will be delivered with a pragmatical approach, respectively addressing the latest models of material behavior (static/dynamic plasticity, material damage/failure), and the most recent laboratory procedures for calibrating such models.

The students will assist to laboratory experiments for static and dynamic testing (motor driven and hydraulic testing machines, Hopkinson bar equipment, data acquisition and image analysis).

A 3-CFU section of the course will be also oriented on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique for full-field displacements and strains assessment, and to Thermal Methods for fatigue assessment. This will train the students in preparing the specimens and acquiring and processing images, aimed at determining the evolving local strains and characteristic distances of specimens/components subjected to experimental tests, as well as their fatigue limit through thermographic acquisitions. 

Applying knowledge and understanding

The aim of the course is to enable the students to perform the advanced mechanical design and the integrity assessment of structures and components, according to the most modern procedures.

They will use the experimental data for calibrating selected material models which, then, will be implemented either in the FEM analyses by way of user subroutines or in the postprocessing phase of FEM results by way of simple spreadsheet calculations.

The acquired skills can be applied in the fields of industry and sustainable development, in line with Goals 9 and 11 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Lessons and classroom/laboratory exercitations, postprocessing of data from experimental tests.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Contents of the 3-CFU section of the course (Prof. R. Barbagallo) (C = Classes, L = Laboratory, E = Exercitation).

1) Digital Image Correlation (DIC) (Prof. R. Barbagallo)

• C1) Theory of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) - Practical aspects of DIC: distance from subject, camera resolution, speckle size - Introduction to the DIC software GOM;
  
• L1) Speckle spraying and DIC derivation of displacements and strains in Experimental tests;
• E1) Postprocessing of experimental DIC data, Finite Elements simulation of experiments, comparison of local strain fields.

2) Thermal methods for fatigue assessment (Prof. R. Barbagallo)

• C2) Review of advanced fatigue concepts – Random loading and multiaxial fatigue – Staircase method - Infrared (IR) detection of heat – Training on Thermal imaging camera model Flir X6540 sc commands and software – Procedure for determination of the fatigue limits by thermocamera – Laboratory activity tests.
  
• L2) Thermal imaging camera acquisition from static/fatigue tests;
• E2) Postprocessing of experimental IR data.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).