PhD in INGEGNERIA MECCANICA / MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - … · 2020-05-19 · Mechanical Engineering and by the PhD Programme in Structural, Seismic and ... Ministry of Education,

PhD in INGEGNERIA MECCANICA / MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING - 36th cycle

Research Area n. 1 - Advanced Materials and Smart Structures

Number of scholarship offered 13

Department DIPARTIMENTO DI MECCANICA

Description of the Research Area

Research on advanced materials and smart structures is playing a crucial role in all the branchesof mechanical and production engineering. The design and development of innovative materials(e.g. nano- and micro-structured materials, foamed alloys, metamaterials, bioinspired ones) isrelevant to enhance specific functional properties customized on engineering applications. Boththe innovative and existing materials require new processes to enhance material performance, tointegrate new features and/or reduce the effect on the environment (i.e., eco-friendly production).

New (numerical and experimental) multiscale models have to be investigated in order tocharacterize the mechanical behaviour of materials under different service conditions anddegradation patterns. Moving from the material to the component and then to the mechanicalsystems, smartness and metamaterials can further help reaching customized functionalperformance. Development of smart materials, smart components and integrated measurementand control systems can lead to significant benefits (e.g. structural health monitoring, vibrationattenuation, energy harvesting, quality control).

Eventually, advanced modelling and experimental investigation of the interaction between thestructure and the environment (e.g., bridge aeroelasticity, tall buildings and roof aerodynamics,cable dynamics) can aid designing a new generation of large structures where dynamic control isincluded at the design level.

There are 13 available scholarships in this area:- 1 generic- 10 thematic (to be specifically selected during application procedure)- 2 interdoctoral (to be specifically selected during application procedure)

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The generic scholarship refers to the following field:- Advanced modelling and testing of materials for machine design 10 thematic scholarships, on the following topics:- Fatigue and fracture of AM materials and components- Diagnostic and prognostic system of a naval propulsion system based on digital twin technology- Multiaxial crack growth criteria for gears- MetaMEMS: design of innovative MEMS based on metamaterial properties- Design of Smart Magnetic ceramic ink for 3D printing- Innovative materials and advanced metallurgical processes- Design of smart materials for metal additive manufacturing processes- Sharp-memory-alloy Meta-composites- Wind engineering and wind energy- Fatigue modelling and testing of discontinuous fibre reinforced polymers

One thematic interdoctoral scholarship, jointly supervised by the PhD Programme inMechanical Engineering and by the PhD Programme in Bioengineering, is available on thefollowing research topic:

- Design of a wearable soft exoskeleton for arm training and assistance

One thematic interdoctoral scholarship, jointly supervised by the PhD Programme inMechanical Engineering and by the PhD Programme in Structural, Seismic andGeotechnical Engineering is available on the following research topic:

- Bridge structural health monitoring and maintenance, resilience and lifecycle design ofinfrastructural network

Applicants should select thematic scholarships following the instructions provided in the call forapplication/application procedure.

The PhD scholarships available in this area are partially funded with the support of the ItalianMinistry of Education, University and Research, through the project Department of ExcellenceLIS4.0 (Integrated Laboratory for Lightweight e Smart Structures).

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Research Field: ADVANCED MODELLING AND TESTING OF MATERIALS FOR MACHINE

DESIGN

Monthly net income of PhDscholarship (max 36 months)

€ 1325.0In case of a change of the welfare rates during the three-year period, the amount could be modified.

Context of the research activity

Motivation and objectives of the researchin this field

Working in the Machine and vehicle design group requiresmotivation in developing experimental and computationalmethods for the assessment of the structural integrity andadvanced design of mechanical structures andcomponents. The objectives of the research may rangefrom the definition of new models of materials behaviourto the assessment of the structural integrity of largestructures, from the experimental investigation on newmaterials to the design of components or vehicles withinnovative features or properties, with special focus onlightweight structures

Methods and techniques that will bedeveloped and used to carry out theresearch

Depending on the specific research topic assigned,methods and techniques will comprise Finite elementmodelling, Boundary element modelling, Fracturemechanics, multi-axial fatigue tests on specimens or onparts, non-destructive tests, high temperature tests,residual stress tests, general purpose tests on bigstructures, tests on gears, tests on power transmission.

Educational objectives

The Doctor in Mechanical Engineering will be able todefine, start and carry out original research by working ina team or leading a research group. Both theoretical andexperimental skills are mastered.

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Job opportunities

Structures/organizations aimed at innovation and/orresearch and technical development, high-tech SMEs,government departments ruling on public needs Our lastsurvey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighteda 100%employment rate within the first year and a 35% highersalary, compared Master of Science holders in the samefield.

Composition of the research group

6 Full Professors7 Associated Professors8 Assistant Professors13 PhD Students

Name of the research directors Prof. Marco Giglio

Contacts

First contact, to be redirected to one of the research directors Prof. Andrea [email protected] For questions about scholarship/support [email protected]

Additional support - Financial aid per PhD student per year (gross amount)

Housing - Foreign Students --

Housing - Out-of-town residents(more than 80Km out of Milano) --

Additional information: educational activity, teaching assistantship, computer availability, desk availability,any other information

Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences):2nd year:1.534 euro 3rd year: 1.534 euro Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhD candidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor.An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: BRIDGE STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE,

RESILIENCE AND LIFECYCLE DESIGN OF INFRASTRUCTURAL NETWORK





The performance of bridges and infrastructural networksevolve over time as a result of damage induced by naturalevents (earthquakes, landslides, floods), anthropogenicactions (shocks, explosions, fires) and phenomena ofaging and progressive degradation (fatigue andcorrosion). Safety, reliability and robustness allow tocontrol the design of individual components andstructures, but in the case of bridge networks, an evenwider vision is needed that takes into account theresilience of the infrastructure system at different levels ofscale: local, regional and national. To limit the effects onthe network of a partial or total closure of a bridge, thewhole maintenance strategy and the network designshould ensure an adequate recovery capacity of the pre-event conditions. The aim of this research is therefore thedevelopment of life cycle methodologies and technologicalsolutions for the monitoring of bridges in terms of safety,reliability, robustness and resilience to support optimalmanagement of critical infrastructures, developmentsustainable and intelligent mobility of goods and people.


The implementation of the research requires highlyinterdisciplinary methods and techniques for the analysisof the databases available at national and regional level,the formulation of performance indicators of reliability,

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robustness and resilience, the probabilistic evaluation ofthe state of conservation of bridges and viaducts, themodeling of degradation and environmental forcing,analysis of functionality and risk of road networks,definition of technological solutions for monitoring systemsand optimal design for the integration of the SmartInfrastructure system with sustainable mobility. Theproject is divided into three phases, corresponding to thethree-year duration of the doctorate, in particular the firstphase will focus on the analysis of the databasesavailable at national level and an integration methodology,the second involves the construction of analysismethodologies and classification of artefacts and works ofart and the third one will instead be more focused on thedevelopment of monitoring methodologies and theirintegration into the life cycle management and designmethodology. The research will also be based on theresults of inspection and monitoring activities conductedon real structures and the analysis of existinginfrastructure networks on a regional and national scale.


The PhD candidates will work on the interdisciplinarysubject of the research project. His/her education andformation will be focused on different aspects of bridgeand mechanical engineering with also a view onmanagement engineering. A strong formation on BridgeManagement systems as well as measurements and dataanalysis will the core of the educational objectives, butalso Big Data and how to modify the maintenancestrategies including the HM systems is on the list

Job opportunities

Engineering companies•

Infrastructures management companies•The research group is collaborating with national andinternational engineering companies on thissubject.Moreover, the research group is involved ininstitutional collaboration with RFI, Italferr, ANAS andRegione Lombardia on this specific subject.Our lastsurvey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighteda 100%employment rate within the first year and a 35%highersalary, compared Master of Science holders in thesamefield.

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Name of the research directors Prof. Marco Belloli, Prof. Fabio Biondini

Contacts

Marco Belloli Phone 02 2399 8451 Email [email protected] [email protected]





Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences): 2nd year:1.534 euro 3rd year: 1.534 euro. Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application).Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor.An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount).Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: DESIGN OF A WEARABLE SOFT EXOSKELETON FOR ARM TRAINING AND

ASSISTANCE





Interdisciplinary PhD Grant The PhD research will be carried out in collaboration withresearch groups of the PhD programme inBioengineering.See http://www.dottorato.polimi.it/index.php?id=242&L=1for further information.Starting in the 1990s, robot-assisted therapy has beenproposed as a method to facilitate recovery of the upperlimb in post-stroke patients. The main advantagesintroduced by robotic rehabilitation are the possibility ofpracticing a repetitive, intensive and measurabletreatment. Over the years, multiple clinical studies havebeen conducted, which, overall, have shown that currentrobot-assisted therapy is able to achieve superior benefitsto conventional therapy in terms of arm functionality.However, these improvements are not able to translate ina better ability to carry out daily life activities. To facilitatethe translation of functional improvements towards areduction of disability and a general improvement in thequality of life, it is necessary to "innovate" the currentrobotic therapy by developing robots capable of offeringpersonalized therapy that specifically trains daily lifetasks. This can be achieved through wearable and flexibleexosuits, similar to a shirt, and through the combination ofrobot-assisted therapy and Functional Electrical

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Stimulation (FES), the so-called hybrid robotic systems, toovercome the excessive repetitiveness of robotic therapy,thus promoting the functional recovery.


The proposed research is highly interdisciplinary andinnovative both in the field of Mechanical Engineering andin that of Bioengineering. In fact, it is necessary to createa tensegrity model of the arm aimed at developing anoptimized prototype and a garment for the FES. It isplanned to compare different solutions in terms ofstimulation efficacy, comfort and usability in small groupsof healthy subjects. Finally, a substantial part of thedoctoral project will be dedicated to the development ofthe control system. The prototype will be equipped withinertial sensors to reconstruct the kinematics of the armand will implement a closed-loop cooperative controlsystem with the aim of minimizing the contribution of therobot motor, maximizing the voluntary contribution of thepatient and that induced by the FES. Among the variouspossible control strategies, iterative learning techniqueswill be analysed.


This PhD aims to develop a first wearable and flexibleexoskeleton prototype with at least one degree of freedom(e.g. elbow flexion-extension) that integrates a garmentfor the electrical stimulation of a pair of agonist-antagonistmuscles. The prototype will be operated by a cooperativecontrol system that combines the action of the FES andany patient's voluntary contribution with that of theexoskeleton engines.

Job opportunities

National and international academic and non-academicinstitutions and organizations, engaged in innovation,research and technical development; high-tech SMEs,government departments.In particular, this research willbe carried out in cooperation with the group of Prof. R.Riener of ETH Zurich.Our last survey on MeccPhDDoctorates highlighted a 100% employment rate withinthe first year and a 35%higher salary, compared Master ofScience holders in the same field.

Composition of the research group 1 Full Professors

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2 Associated Professors1 Assistant Professors6 PhD Students

Name of the research directors Prof. Simone Cinquemani, Emilia Ambrosini (BIO)

Contacts

Phone: +39 02 2399 8454Email: [email protected] [email protected]





Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences):2nd year:1.534 euro3rd year: 1.534 euro Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor. An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: DESIGN OF SMART MAGNETIC CERAMIC INK FOR 3D PRINTING





Magnetic ceramics have been attracting considerableinterest due to their wide range of applications. Thesespan the whole field of magnetic screening, magnetic datastorage, chokes, sensors and devices based onmagnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic materials.Demand from the electronic industry for thick and thin filmmagnetic ceramics has dramatically increased, and noveldesigns based on the availability of 2D magneticstructures are continuously being developed.The maindrawback in the production of magnetic items frommagnetic ceramics powder is the need of a high-temperature sintering step, which must be performed atseveral hundred °C. While bulk-form magnetic ceramicspose no problems, ceramic films need to be supported ona structural substrate. Since the main cause of film failureis film spalling during sintering due to mismatched thermaldilation coefficients, film bonding can hardly occur on anystandardized substrate irrespective of film composition.Lower sintering temperatures reduce the extent of theinterfacial stresses caused by thermal mismatch, althoughphysical constraints are there that cannot be overcome.However, it is known that nanosized ceramic particles canbe sintered al lower temperatures compared to coarserones, and allow the fabrication of thinner films. Synthesisof nanoparticles in polyols is a simple and convenientchemical route for producing highly stable suspensions of

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oxidic nanoparticles and magnetic oxides that can then besintered at lower temperatures.


The methods to be used will involve nano powderproduction, optical and electron microscopy, EBSD, XRD,DSC, and mechanical characterization by tensile testing,fracture toughness, fatigue testing.For more details aboutinfrastructures,see:https://www.mecc.polimi.it/us/research/departmental-laboratories/.


At the end of the PhD cycle the candidate will be able todefine, design and carry out original research programsby working in a team or leading a research group in thefield of smart materials.Opportunities will be offered forspending visiting periods hosted by project partners forscientific cooperation.

Job opportunities

All project activities are strongly connected to industrialneeds and industrial partners are directly participating toproject tasks. In this particular project, STMicroelectronicsis directly involved in the research. Our last survey onMeccPhD Doctorates highlighted a 100% employmentrate within the first year and a 35% higher salary,compared Master of Science holders in the same field.



Name of the research directors Prof. Nora Lecis, Prof. Dario Natali

Contacts

Phone +39 02 2399 8283Email: [email protected] [email protected]




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Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences): 2nd year:1.534 euro 3rd year: 1.534 euro. Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor.An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: DESIGN OF SMART MATERIALS FOR METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

PROCESSES





The PhD candidate will work in the framework of nationaland international (EU funded) research projects. Severalprojects are available on subjects related to thedevelopment of new metallic alloys, phase changematerials and ¿multi-materials¿ specifically designed foradditive manufacturing processes (e.g. Laser Powder BedFusion, Binder Jetting, direct Energy Deposition) ortaking advantage of the opportunities provided by additivemanufacturing processes. The candidate will focus on thedesign of novel high-performance alloys having specificfunctional or mechanical properties. Details about thespecific project topics are available on request.


The Material research group has expertise onmicrostructural and mechanical characterization ofadvanced metallic alloys. The methods to be used willinvolve Thermodynamic modelling of alloy microstructure,experimental analyses on crystallograhy, phase stabilityand microstructure (optical and electron microscopy,EBSD, XRD, DSC, ¿) and mechanical characterization bytensile testing, fracture toughness, fatigue testing.Production of new materials and samples for the testing isforeseen through several additive manufacturing systemsavailable in the labs of the Department of MechanicalEngineering. For more details about infrastructures,

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see:https://www.mecc.polimi.it/us/research/departmental-laboratories/


At the end of the PhD cycle the candidate will be able toplan and carry out original research by working in a teamor leading a research group active in the fields ofmaterials science and engineering. The candidate willstrongly enhance her/his theoretical and experimentalskills acquired during master studies. Opportunities will beoffered for spending visiting periods hosted by projectpartners for scientific cooperation.

Job opportunities

All project activities are strongly connected to industrialneeds and industrial partners are directly participating toproject tasks. It is to remark that Additive Manufacturing isa rapidly growing sector that is attracting great interestfrom many industrial sectors spanning from automotive toaerospace, biomedical, tooling and mechanical industry,jewelry and sport equipment.Job opportunities areforeseen at national and international academicinstitutions, high-tech companies and SMEs involved ininnovation and technical development, dealing withadditive manufacturing and/or processing of advancedalloys.



Name of the research directors Proff. Elisabetta Gariboldi, Maurizio Vedani

Contacts

Prof. Elisabetta Gariboldi ([email protected]), Prof. Maurizio Vedani ([email protected]) For questions about scholarship/support [email protected]




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Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences):2nd year:1.534 euro3rd year: 1.534 euro. Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor.An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC SYSTEM OF A NAVAL PROPULSION

SYSTEM BASED ON DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY





Monitoring systems currently installed on Naval Units areable to monitor the health of systems and structuresbased on the analysis of measured signals. However, theonset of mechanical damage that may be caused byfatigue or overload is identified with difficulties and is oftendetected when the damage is critical, with the consequentneed for a machine stop. This complexity is often linked toa difficult interpretation of the signals acquired in thepresence of mechanical structural anomalies. In fact,often the identification logics are limited to a statisticalanalysis of the signals with respect to a threshold value.This approach can hardly be extended to the trueidentification of the anomaly, which includes the inferenceon the type of damage, its position and its size orcriticality. The latter information would in fact be of largeinterest in order to appreciate the true state of health ofthe system and assess the risk in the operational phasebased on prognostic algorithms. Taking inspiration fromwhat has been developed for the structures of theaeronautical sector, innovative SHM techniques will beimplemented and applied in the naval field, specificallyfocusing on a propulsion system, characterized by thepossible onset of mechanical structural anomalies.Theproposed monitoring vision is based on a numerical andexperimental methodology, which includes three main

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elements: 1) the numerical models of the structures underexamination, 2) the acquired signal processingtechniques, based on artificial intelligence and 3) anorganization module of data (both simulated by analyticaland numerical methods and real, acquired by a network ofsensors), in general numerous and heterogeneous. Theavailability of a numerical model of the monitoredstructure (Digital-Twin) is a fundamental requirement forreducing the costs associated with the development ofSHM technology, as it can be used (i) for a preliminaryassessment of the performance of the diagnostic system,(ii) for the training of artificial intelligence algorithms, or tolearn the correlation between different features extractedfrom the signals, creating surrogate models suitable forreal-time use (iii) for a model-based design of the sensornetwork, maximizing the sensitivity to different types ofdamage.


Digital Twin is an organized collection of methods basedon physics and analytics, which is used to model thestatus of each component of the monitored system. TheDigital Twin models include all the necessary aspects ofthe system, including thermal, mechanical, electrical,statistical, etc. aspects, in order to represent the system indifferent operating states. The models, together with thesensor data, offer the possibility of predicting theperformance of the system, evaluating different scenariosand improving the efficiency in the operationalenvironment. Through AI learning techniques, the DigitalTwin also continuously improves its ability to model andtrack the state of the system, during its operation, allowingoperators to optimize instantaneous and transient controlof the system and perform maintenance tasks at the idealtime.Within this context, the innovative aspects of theproposed SHM methodology is the inclusion of damagemodels within the Digital-Twin, through the creation of asurrogate model that approximates the relationshipbetween damage parameters and measured variables.This model, based on machine learning techniques andtrained off-line with numerical simulations, requires verylimited computational skills and is appropriate for onlineuse within a damage identification algorithm, the latter

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based on Monte-Carlo Bayesian Updating. Moreover, bycombining load identification techniques with damageidentification methods, it is possible to provide an estimateof structural damage in the presence of different, andunknown, operating vibratory loads.Finally, even theproblems of predicting the remaining useful life of asystem, or, in other words, of predicting the dynamics ofdamage within the system itself, can be effectivelyaddressed using ML techniques, such as RecurrentNeural Networks, or Monte-Carlo recursive filters withembedded surrogate models.


At the end of the PhD cycle the candidate will be able toplan and carry out original research by working in a teamor leading a research group active in the field of diagnosisand prognosis of mechanical and aerospace structures.The candidate will strongly enhance both theoretical andexperimental skills acquired during master studies.Opportunities will be offered for spending visiting periodshosted by project partners for scientificcooperation.Specifically concerning the HUMS field ofapplication, the candidate will get command in thedisciplines of:

HUMS system optimisation•

Performance assessment•

Sensor installation, acquisition and data processing•

Machine learning algorithms•

Bayesian model identification and updating•

Methods for diagnosis and prognosis of mechanical

systems under degradation

•

System model development (digital twin)•

Job opportunities

Our last survey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighteda100% employment rate within the first year and a35%higher salary, compared Master of Science holders inthesame field.The skills and know-how developed duringthis PhD program will allow to cover positions for design,integrity assessment and monitoring of advancedcomponents in aerospace, automotive and mechanicalcompanies.On top of that, the research group has

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established collaborations with national, European andinternational research centres, industries and academia.



Name of the research directors Prof. Marco Giglio, Prof. Marco Sbarufatti

Contacts

Phone: +39 0223998234 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]





Funding for educational activities (purchase of study books and material, funding for participationin courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences): funding per PhD student per year: 2nd

year: per student 1.534,00 3rd year: per student 1.534,00 Our candidates are stronglyencouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in the specificPhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor. An increase in the scholarship willbe applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- net amount).

Teaching assistantship:availability of funding in recognition of support to teaching activities by thePhD student: There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support to the teachingpractice.The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within the limits allowedby the regulations.Computer availability:1st year:individual use 2nd year: individual use 3rd year: individual useDesk availability:1st year: individual use 2nd year: individual use 3rd year: individual use

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Research Field: FATIGUE AND FRACTURE OF AM MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS





The development of new engineering solutions aimed atsatisfying the ever increasing request of multi-functionality, increased performances under extremeconditions as well as integration of different technologiesfor designing and manufacturing new and superiormechanical systems plays a crucial role in next and futureindustrial development and is a key factor to achieve ormaintain a competitive position. Many are the aspects toconsider in this field of research. Among them, researchesrelated to the fracture resistance of additive manufacturedmaterials and metamaterials are of great interest due tothe great potential applications in many engineering fields.In particular, the proposed researches in this area are:

Micro-mechanical response of AM materials and

metamaterials to fatigue and static fracture considering

the inherent inhomogeneities and surface state due to

the additive processes;

•

Fitness for purpose of AM materials and metamaterials,

defect acceptance and qualification of additively

manufactured components.

•


Both multiscale numerical simulations and advancedexperimental analysis will be used during thedevelopment of the research. The development of

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originaland beyond the state of the art procedures isexpected, both as concern the multiscale numericalanalysis and the experimental investigations.


The selected candidates will be able to define, design andcarry out original research programmes by working in ateam or leading a research group. It is also envisaged thatselected candidates will develop a significant know-howfor assessing the design improvements offered by thenew manufacturing processes.

Job opportunities

Our last survey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighteda 100% employment rate within the first year and a35%higher salary, compared Master of Science holders inthesame field. Companies/Organizations/ResearchCenters aimed at innovation and/or research andtechnical development, high-tech SMEs, governmentdepartments ruling on public and social needs.

List of Universities, Companies, Agencies and/or Nationalor International Institutions that are cooperating in theresearchUniversities

Auburn University, National Center for Additive

Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME)

•

University of Kassel (Germany)•

Agencies and Research Centres•

European Space Agency•

Companies

Avio-Aero, Rivalta (To)•

RUAG•

LucchiniRS•

SMEs•

BEAMIT (Pr)•



Name of the research directors Prof. Stefano Beretta

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Contacts

[email protected]

[email protected]





Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences):2nd year:1.534 euro3rd year: 1.534 euroAccommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhD candidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor. An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: FATIGUE MODELLING AND TESTING OF DISCONTINUOUS FIBRE

REINFORCED POLYMERS





Fibre reinforced polymers are being increasinglyemployed as metal replacement in lightweight design ofmechanical components. However, to foster theapplication of these materials in load bearing applications,a deeper understanding of the fatigue phenomena and thedevelopment of fatigue models is still necessary. The firstobjective of the research is to extend the experimentalinvestigations already undertaken in the field of fatigue ofdiscontinuous fibre reinforced polymers, with a new focuson the effect of mean stresses, notches and fibreorientation and materials for additive manufacturing. Thesecond objective is to assess the validity of the existingmodels against experimental data, with special emphasison the recent approaches proposed for materials used foradditive manufacturing by fused filament fabrication


For the experimental part of the proposed work, thecandidate will develop skills in the field of advancedtesting of composite materials. Particularly, he willbecome skilled in the use of the Digital image Correlationtechnique to measure strain fields during tests onspecimens and components and on micro computedtomography for the characterization of the inner structureof the materials. For the numerical part, a goodbackground on finite element modelling is requested. The

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candidate will develop skills in the application of fatigueassessment methods based on process simulation.


A Doctor in Mechanical Engineering will be able to define,start and carry out original research by working in a teamor leading a research group. Both theoretical andexperimental skills are mastered.

Job opportunities

Structures/organizations aimed at innovation and/orresearch and technical development, high-tech SMEs,government departments ruling on public needs Our lastsurvey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighted a 100%employment rate within the first year and a 35%highersalary, compared Master of Science holders in thesamefield. This research will be conducted in cooperation withthe University of Leeds (UK), ENSMA Futuroscope (F),Radici Group High Performance Polymers (I)



Name of the research directors Prof. Andrea Bernasconi

Contacts

Prof. Andrea Bernasconi [email protected] For questions about scholarship/[email protected]





Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences):2nd year:1.534 euro3rd year: 1.534 euro. Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in the

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specific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor.An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND ADVANCED METALLURGICAL

PROCESSES





The demand arising from technological innovations drivenby the uptake of new manufacturing processes andimproved product performance, is strongly motivating thedevelopment of innovative structural and functionalmaterials with advanced and new properties.Futurematerials need to be designed/optimized according totheir specific processing route (e.g. materials for additivemanufacturing), need to possess specific thermal andphysical properties to fulfill special functions (e.g. phasechange materials for thermal storage) could preferablyshow variation of their properties within the volume of asingle components (e.g. multi-materials, gradient 3Dlattices, metal-ceramic composites).In addition,metalworking processes also require extensive innovationto allow the control of traditional and innovative materialsaccording to reliable, cost-effective and sustainableapproaches.Several research project are available withinthis frame. Details about the specific topics will besupplied on request.


The demand arising from technological innovations drivenby the uptake of new manufacturing processes andimproved product performance, is strongly motivating thedevelopment of innovative structural and functionalmaterials with advanced and new properties.Future

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materials need to be designed/optimized according totheir specific processing route (e.g. materials for additivemanufacturing), need to possess specific thermal andphysical properties to fulfill special functions (e.g. phasechange materials for thermal storage) could preferablyshow variation of their properties within the volume of asingle components (e.g. multi-materials, gradient 3Dlattices, metal-ceramic composites).In addition,metalworking processes also require extensive innovationto allow the control of traditional and innovative materialsaccording to reliable, cost-effective and sustainableapproaches.Several research project are available withinthis frame. Details about the specific topics will besupplied on request.



All project activities are strongly connected to industrialneeds and industrial partners are directly participating toproject tasks. Among others, the following institutions willbe involved in the research: -Fraunhofer IFAM,Germany- Cetim, France - Luleå University ofTechnology, Sweden- Technical University of Graz,Austria - Technical University of Wien, Austria - CRF -Centro Ricerche FIAT, Italy - AIMEN, Technology Center,Spain

Job opportunities

Job opportunities are foreseen at national andinternational academic institutions, high-tech companiesand SMEs involved in innovation and technicaldevelopment dealing with development of innovativematerials and/or processing of advanced alloys.

Composition of the research group 3 Full Professors6 Associated Professors

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4 Assistant Professors7 PhD Students

Name of the research directors Prof. Elisabetta Gariboldi, Prof. Maurizio Vedani

Contacts

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected](direct enquiries are encouraged)





Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences): 2nd year:1.534 euro 3rd year: 1.534 euro. Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor.An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: METAMEMS: DESIGN OF INNOVATIVE MEMS BASED ON METAMATERIAL

PROPERTIES





At the macro- and meso-scale level, metamaterials exhibitextremely interesting static and dynamic properties suchas negative Poisson's coefficients (auxetic materials),vibration isolation, wave focusing, etc. These propertiescould also be effectively exploited at the micro-scale tocreate MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) withinnovative performances or even MEMS completelydifferent from those currently on the market. In order toeffectively scale the concepts to the micro-scale, however,it is necessary to solve some important theoreticalaspects relating to the modeling and non-linear behaviorof microsystems with resonant parts witheigenfrequencies ranging from kHz to MHz, alwaysbearing in mind the limitations imposed by the productionprocesses.


Given the complexity of the problem (by their nature,MEMS require a multi-physical approach as well as, giventhe continuous reduction in size, a non-linear analysis oftheir behaviour), it is essential to develop skills that rangefrom concept to modelling of MEMS, from analysis tooptimization of metamaterials, from production to testingof metastructures. This interdisciplinary knowledgerequires very specific research methods, developed overyears of research together with leading companies in the

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sector.


The challenges that the successful student will have toface are both theoretical and experimental:- analyse the micro-scale scalability of the properties ofthe metamaterials taking into account the limitationsimposed by the production processes currently used;- analyse the non-linear behaviour of MEMSmetastructures (to date, there are only very few studiesrelating to the non-linear behaviour of metamaterials andnone at the micro-scale);- develop metaMEMS for the isolation of vibrations inemerging applications (micromirrors, oscillators andinertial sensors for applications that require very highaccuracy);- develop metaMEMS for energy harvesting (since therecovery of kinetic energy through smart materials isproportional to the volume of material, it is of fundamentalimportance to focus incoming vibration on the materialitself);? identify the causes that lead to adegradation/aging of the unit cell of the metaMEMS; infact, knowing the causes it is possible to identify theoptimal operating conditions of the cell itself (for example,the range of temperatures, the currents that can besupplied, ...);- study metaMEMS for innovative applications.

Job opportunities

Being the research carried out in strictly cooperation withSTMicroelectronics, the primary job opportunity will bewithin STMicroelectronics. Besides this, job opportunitieswill be with national and international academic and non-academic institutions and organizations, engaged ininnovation, research and technical development. Our lastsurvey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighteda 100%employment rate within the first year and a 35%highersalary, compared Master of Science holders in thesamefield.



Name of the research directors Prof. Francesco Braghin

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Contacts

Phone: +39 02 2399 8306Email: [email protected] [email protected]





Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences): 2nd year:1.534 euro 3rd year: 1.534 euro Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor. An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: MULTIAXIAL CRACK GROWTH CRITERIA FOR GEARS





One of major problems in mechanical power transmissionin aerospace industry is to determine the crack path ofcracks developed from RCF conditions in gears andbearings. This activity is devoted to the analysis of somespecial applications from a set of experimental data undermutliaxial fatigue and twin-disk tests.


The activity is related to the participation to EU projectIDERPLANE and it will be initially devoted to determiningthe growth rate of cracks subjected to a multiaxial stressstate similar to RCF. The second phase will be devoted tothe analysis of bi-disk tests by the University of Bresciathorugh FEM analyses and the results of the first phase.Then the developed criteria for determination of growthrate and path will be verified by a series of fatigue tests ona dedicated test rig available at the Department.


The main educational objective of the position is to setupnew techniques for the structural integrity assessment ofgears and power trasnmission components consideringspecific damage modes under RCF. This goal can bepursued by properly combining specific reliabilitytechniques with an experimental analysis of themechanical response of the material and damageanalyses.

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Job opportunities

Our last survey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighted a100% employment rate within the first year and a 35%higher salary, compared Master of Science holders in thesame field. Job opportunities can be offered by theitalian leading companies working in the area of powertransmission(i.e. GE Avio, others)



Name of the research directors Proff. Stefano Beretta Stefano Foletti Carlo Gorla

Contacts

Email [email protected]; [email protected], [email protected]





Funding for educational activities (purchase of study books and material, funding for participationin courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences); funding per PhD student per year: 2nd year: per student ¿ 1.534 3rd year: per student ¿ 1.534 Teaching assistantship: availabilityof funding in recognition of support to teaching activities by the PhD student; there are variousforms of financial aid for activities of support to the teaching practice. The PhD student isencouraged to take part in these activities, within the limits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: SHAPE-MEMORY-ALLOY META-COMPOSITES





The main objective is to develop the innovative concept ofa meta-composite material capable of tunable dampingand reconfigurable dynamic properties. This novelconcept of adaptive material will enable drasticallyreduced levels of broadband vibrations and structure-borne noise resulting in an extended fatigue life of thecomposite system.The proposed meta-composite conceptblurs the boundary between structures and materials byexploring design and fabrication technologies where newgeneration low-cost, high-performance shape-memoryalloys are combined with both layered composites andtopological elastic ?metastructures? to achieve non-conventional dynamics and wave propagationcharacteristics.


This research proposes innovations at many differentlevels of material design, fabrication, optimization, andintegration in complex systems.

The different activities of the research will include:

theoretical and numerical modeling of SMA engineered

composites

•

Fabrication of engineered SMA composites•

Semi-passive damping control and tuning•For more details about infrastructures available at theMechanical Department of Politecnico di milano,see:https://www.mecc.polimi.it/us/research/departmental-

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laboratories/



Job opportunities

Companies asking for modelling and testing skills, as wellas those related to high performance mechanical andaeronautical systems. Our last survey on MeccPhDDoctorates highlighted a 100% employment rate withinthe first year and a 35% higher salary, compared Masterof Science holders in the same field. Research activitiesare carried on together with Purdue University (US) underthe supervision of US ONR (Office of Naval Research)



Name of the research directors Prof. Nora Lecis, Prof. Simone Cinquemani

Contacts

Phone +39 02 2399 8454/8268 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]





Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences): 2nd year:1.534 euro 3rd year: 1.534 euro. Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates (detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in the

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specific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor. An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount).Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivities by the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support totheteaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Research Field: WIND ENGINEERING AND WIND ENERGY





Development of experimental and numerical models tostudy the interaction between structures and mechanicalsystems and wind is a key aspect of the research in thefield of wind engineering and wind energy.Limitations inwind tunnel testing of the aeroelastic response of largestructures as long span bridges and large light slenderstructures, and in the study of the performance of windturbines can only be overcome by developing new testingdevices and new numerical approaches.Innovativesolutions of long span bridges with towers on floatingplatform as well the adoption of floating offshore windturbines to exploit deep-water coastal areas require toextend the consolidated methodologies used to study thetraditional solutions to consider new aspects. In particular,new experimental devices and numerical models toreproduce the aeroelastic interaction with the wind in thelow frequency region, where offshore solutions will workand where there are limitations in the traditional windtunnel tests will be studied.Moreover the couplingbetween the aerodynamic loads and sea wave loads willbe also investigated, considering aerodynamic stabilityeffects and possible control laws to improve theperformances of the structure/system.


The research activity will consist in designing anddeveloping numerical models and wind tunnel

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experimental devices to study the low frequency rangewind-structure interaction.Actively controlled devices willbe studied to tests models under motion controlled testconditions and to actively generate turbulence.Windtunnels tests will be performed to develop the devices toand to validate numerical models.


We provide doctoral candidates with high-level scientifictraining, fostering and refining research and problemsolving abilities by focusing on both theoretical andexperimental skills. A PhD in Mechanical Engineering willbe able to layout, draft and carry on original research, byleading a research group or working in a team.Thisresearch will be conducted in cooperation with COWI,ARUP, TUM Munich and TU Delft.

Job opportunities

Structures/organizations aimed at innovation and/orresearch and technical development, high-tech SMEs,government departments ruling on public needs.Our lastsurvey on MeccPhD Doctorates highlighted a 100%employment rate within the first year and a 35% highersalary, compared Master of Science holders in the samefield.



Name of the research directors Proff. Bocciolone, Belloli, Zasso, Rocchi

Contacts

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] For further informationvisit:www.mecc.polimi.ithttp://www.mecc.polimi.it/ricerca/sezioni/meccanica-dei-sistemi/[email protected]




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Financial aid is available for all PhD candidates (purchase of study books and materials,fundingfor participation in courses, summer schools, workshops and conferences):2nd year:1.534 euro3rd year: 1.534 euro.Accommodation in Politecnico's Residences(http://www.residenze.polimi.it) is available for PhDcandidates; special rates will be applied toselected out-of-town candidates(detailed info in the call for application). Our candidates arestrongly encouraged to spend a research period abroad, joining high-levelresearch groups in thespecific PhD research topic, selected in agreement with the Supervisor. An increase in thescholarship will be applied for periods up to 6 months (approx. 550 euro/month- netamount). Teaching assistantship: availability of funding in recognition of supporting teachingactivitiesby the PhD candidate. There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support tothe teaching practice. The PhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within thelimits allowed by the regulations.

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Documents

PhD in INGEGNERIA MECCANICA / MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - … · 2020-05-19 · Mechanical Engineering and by the PhD Programme in Structural, Seismic and ... Ministry of Education,