151-0550-00L  Adaptive Materials for Structural Applications

SemesterAutumn Semester 2017
LecturersP. Ermanni, A. Bergamini
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
151-0550-00 GAdaptive Materials for Structural Applications3 hrs
Tue09:15-12:00LEE D 105 »
P. Ermanni, A. Bergamini

Catalogue data

AbstractAdaptive materials offer appealing ways to extend the design space of structures by introducing time-variable properties into them. In this course, the physical working principles of selected adaptive materials are analyzed and simple models for describing their behavior are presented. Some applications are illustrated, also with laboratory experiments where possible.
ObjectiveThe study of adaptive materials covers topics that range from chemistry to theoretical mechanics.

The aim of this course is to convey knowledge about adaptive materials, their properties and the physical mechanisms that govern their function, so as to develop the skills to deal with this interdisciplinary subject.
ContentThis course will provide the students with an insight into the properties and physical phenomena which lead to the features of adaptive materials. Starting from chemomechanical (skeletal muscles), the physical behavior of a wide range of adaptive materials, thermo- and photo-mechanical, electro-mechanical, magneto-mechanical and meta-materials will be thoroughly discussed and analyzed. Up-to-date results on their performance and their implementation in mechanical structures will be detailed and studied in laboratory sessions. Analytical tools and energy based considerations will provide the students with effective instruments for understanding adaptive materials and assess their performance when integrated in structures or when arranged in particular fashions.

Basic concepts: Power conjugated variables, dissipative effects, geometry- and materials-based energy conversion

Chemo-mechanical coupling: Energy conversion in skeletal muscle and other chemomechanical systems,optional: and photo-mechanical coupling, azopolymers.

Thermo-mechanical coupling: Shape memory alloys / polymers

Electromechanical coupling(1): DEA, EBL, electrorheological fluids

Shape control / morphing: Use, requirements, challenges

Morphing applications of variable stiffness structures: Lab work

Electromechanical coupling (2): Piezoelectric, electrostrictive effect
Vibration Reduction: Measurement, passive, semi-active (active) damping methods

Vibration reduction applications of piezoelectric materials: Lab work

Metamaterials: Definition of metamaterials - electromagnetic, acoustical and other metamaterials

Magneto-mechanical coupling: Magnetostrictive effect, mSMA, magnetorheological fluids, ferrofluids

Energy harvesting and sensing: Energy harvesting with EAP and piezoelectric materials, transducers as sensors: Piezo, resistive,...
Lecture notesLecture notes (manuscript and handouts) will be provided

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits4 credits
ExaminersA. Bergamini, P. Ermanni
Typesession examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionThe performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examinationoral 30 minutes
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

 
Main linkNotes and Handouts to the lecture
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

There are no additional restrictions for the registration.

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Mechanical Engineering MasterMechanics, Materials, StructuresWInformation