Research Areas

The research activities of the group concern:
- Experimental analysis of free and confined turbulent (or transitional) flows at high Reynolds numbers. The activities are performed in the International Large-Scale Infrastructure CICLoPE (Centre for International Cooperation in Long Pipe Experiments)
- Wind tunnel tests on scale models and industrial protototypes. This activity is performed in the Applied Aerodynamic Laboratory of the DIN
- Design of experimental apparatus. Development of novel measurement techniques for laboratory and industrial flows
- Incompressible turbulence: theoretical and numerical (DNS and LES) studies of wall flows, external flows and Turbulent-non-Turbulent interfaces
- Numerical and theoretical studies of non-Newtonian fluid mechanics: turbulent and microfluidic flows.

People:

- Alessandro Talamelli
- Elisabetta De Angelis
- Gabriele Bellani
- Guglielmo Minelli

• Ciclope Laboratory

The research group is organized in two broad research areas.
The Microsatellites and space microsystems area covers several topics concerning both the space and ground segments for microsatellite missions, such as navigation, attitude control, and mission control.
The radio science and planetary exploration activities encompass mission analysis, radio tracking science experiments and deep space navigation, both based on traditional, large satellites and on CubeSat platforms.

People:

- Paolo Tortora
- Marco Zannoni
- Dario Modenini
- Marco Sagliano
- Riccardo Lasagni Manghi
- Luis Gomes Casajus

• u3S Lab - Microsatellites and Space Microsystems Laboratory
• Radio Science and Planetary Exploration Laboratory

DEMA research group analyses design methodologies used in aerospace engineering to detect the correct approaches towards a proper design synthesis of fixed, rotary wing, space vehicles. Tools such as CAD/FEM/CFD/CAE/LCA can be used to support the virtual modelling of aeronautical products. Software integrating Conceptual Design methodologies, Design for Quality, Augmented/Virtual Reality, Design for Additive Manufacturing, Design for aeronautical certification, Integrated Process Product Development, and Optimization techniques are mandatory in the modern aerospace industry to compress time to market and drive the design towards a complete end-user satisfaction. Tools to support the design, analysis, simulation and control of mechanical, robotic, mechatronic systems for aerospace applications are included in this area. Experimental tools and activities for the prognostic, diagnostic, vibration and dynamic motion analysis of such systems are also defined and applied in lab and on-field experiences.

People:

- Alessandro Ceruti
- Francesca De Crescenzio

• Laboratorio di Realtà Virtuale

The Flight mechanics research group has been specializing in end-to-end long endurance unmanned systems and design optimization tools. Activities mainly involve performance analysis and optimization for both atmospheric and space vehicles, with particular focus on the design of Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, and the attitude control of LEO spacecraft. At the core of the research group activities there is a model-based philosophy, with the development of simulation tools, configurable for control system design and prototyping, hardware in the loop validation, identification techniques or innovative configurations development and optimization.

People:

- Fabrizio Giulietti
- Emanuele Luigi de Angelis

• Flight Mechanics Laboratory

The research group studies several aspects of materials and technologies for aerospace structures, among which:
- High performance metallic materials, composites and coatings produced both by conventional and innovative processes.
- Mechanical and aerospace design and structures
- Smart composite laminates
- Mechanical and thermal measurements, applied to aerospace systems.

People:

- Giangiacomo Minak
- Alessandro Morri
- Raffaella Di Sante
- Enrico Troiani
- Sara Bagassi
- Maria Pia Falaschetti
- Martino Carlo Moruzzi

• Master Lab - Material Structure Technology Research Laboratory

The Propulsion Systems group research interests encompass three main topics:
- Solid Rocket Booster design and modeling
- Internal combustion engines and gas turbines testing and control
- Helicon plasma thruster modeling
Both experimental and modeling activities are developed thanks to the facilities available in the laboratory located at the Hangar building, aside of Forlì airport, and thanks to the collaborations with industrial partners.
Relevant tools available at the laboratory include three engine test benches that can host piston and turbo-shaft engines, with available powers ranging from 150 to 600 CV and RoBoost, a simulation environment capable to evaluate the complete performance of a Solid Rocket Booster.

People:

- Fabrizio Ponti
- Giacomo Silvagni