Corso III Livello "Structural mechatronics: systems and technologies" Prof. Brusa

Course description
This course describes some fundamentals of the design of mechatronic systems and structures. Their operation is based on the energy conversion between different physical fields, aimed to control, monitor or energy harvesting applied to mechanical systems. Some methodologies applied to the structural mechatronic design and to the integration of complex industrial systems or of machine components are proposed. The product lifecycle development of the mechatronic system is decomposed by analysing some typical coupling mechanisms, based on the interaction between the electric, magnetic, piezoelectric phenomena and the structural behaviour, or upon the material phase change as in shape memory alloys and on the application of optical fibres. Some special industrial applications are described, as the micro–electromechanical systems (MEMS). Si fa cenno, infine, agli aspetti di integrazione del componente meccatronico con l’intero sistema, con alcuni esempi tratti da varie applicazioni industriali, oggi sempre più basato sul Model Based Systems Engineering. The course is an introduction to the topic, aimed to show the state-of-the-art even in terms of industrial application. ​

Course topics

1. Introduction (a new approach to design, evolution of mechatronics, definitions and contents)
2. Functions of structural mechatronics (static actuation, shape control, precise positioning, stiffness tuning, control of elastic stability; dynamic control in suspended and rotating systems, vibration control, damping, dynamic stability control; dynamic conversion of energy; monitoring, measurements, structural integrity)
3. Design of mechatronic structures (Goals, layouts, monitoring systems, energy storage and harvesting, active control systems, design criteria)
4. Structural mechatronic technologies (Coupled system, technologies, electric field based: phenomena, laws, sensors, actuators, materials – piezoelectric, electrostriction, active dielectric polymers, electro-rheological fluids; magnetic field based: phenomena, laws, actuators, suspension, dampers, sensors; materials – magnetostriction and magneto-rheological fluids; thermal field based; shape memory materials; variable dissipation based devices; optical and optomechanical systems); selection criteria applied to conversion mechanisms; smart systems characterization.
5. Development and integration of the mechatronic system (Evolution of the concept of artificial intelligence, systems of systems; “Systems Engineering” applied to mechatronics; implementation and modelling, digital, functional and physical models; interoperability; system reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS); verification and validation; integration with the manufacturing process)

• 6 maggio 14.30 - 18.30
• 13 maggio 14.30 - 18.30
• 16 maggio 14.30 - 18.30
• 17 maggio 14.30 - 18.30
• 20 maggio 14.30 - 18.30