PhD in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING - 31th cycle · 2020-04-17 · PhD in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING - 31st...

PhD in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING - 31th cycle

Number of scholarship offered 4

DepartmentDIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE E TECNOLOGIEAEROSPAZIALI

Description of the PhD Programme

The PhD course in Aerospace Engineering aims at the acquisition of the high level competence inthe aerospace field required to carry out innovative research and/or advanced applications inuniversities, industries, public or private research centers, service companies. The Ph.D. programgives special emphasis to the development of multi-disciplinary thinking and problem-solvingskills in students, while striving to give the students a solid knowledge of the fundamental physicalphenomena and of all necessary state-of-the-art methods and tools. The level of the courseallows the graduates to compete in a European and international environment. Over the years thePhD students have developed researches relevant to aircraft, rotorcraft and space applications,but also to technical areas not strictly related to the aerospace field. Example of PhD thesis topicsare in: - Computational and experimental fluid mechanics. - Aeroservoelasticity, dynamic andcontrol of aerospace structures. - Flight mechanics and flight control. - Passive structural safety ofboth aerospace and non-aerospace vehicles. - Space missions analysis and planning. -Innovative materials and structures design and testing. - Space propulsion. - Wind turbines. -Advanced rotors. - Maintenance-based design. - Mathematical modelling and simulation. -Airworthiness and certification.

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PhD in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING - 31st cycle

Research Field: AIRCRAFT CRASHWORTHINESS

Monthly net income of PhDscholarship (max 36 months)

€ 1200.0In 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

Crashworthiness has become an issue for all aircraftcategories. The introduction and more extensive use ofcomposite parts in the aiframe needs a deep study of thestructural response to dynamic loading, which rangesfrom the extended damage of an emergency landingconditions to local damage of a bird impact, and includesfuel system integrity and biomechanic of impacts. Fromthe numerical point of view, the refinement of materialsconstitutive laws is of utmost importance, as well as moreefficient techniques to model the occupants response andassess the injury risk.

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

Dynamic and crash tests on material specimens andstructural components; finite element and lumped masstechniques for numerical modelling and analysis;refinement of fluid-structure interaction laws.

Educational objectivesDeep learning of the experimental and numericaltechniques to investigate structural crashworthiness.

Job opportunities Senior structure engineer

Composition of the research group

1 Full Professors3 Associated Professors2 Assistant Professors1 PhD Students

Name of the research directors M. Anghileri, P. Astori, G. Janszen

Contacts

[email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8337

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[email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8366

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 informations

There is the possibility to get financial aid for activities of support to the teaching practice. ThePhD student is encouraged to take part in these activities, within the limits allowed by theregulations. Individual desk and individual personal computer will be provided. PhD students haveaccess to fixed amount of funding to participate to summer schools and conferences and to buyresearch/educational materials.

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Research Field: NON-IDEAL COMPRESSIBLE-FLUID DYNAMICS





The dynamics of a fluid operating in the vicinity of theliquid-vapour saturation curve and critical point maysignificantly differ from that of dilute gases under both aqualitative and a quantitative point of view. Applicationsinclude super-critical CO2 flows in industrial processesand Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) engines for renewableenergy. Research activities at the Laboratory ofCompressible-fluid dynamics for Renewable EnergyApplications (CREA) are devoted to the theoretical,numerical and experimental investigation of non-idealcompressible-fluid flows, including the development ofnew numerical and experimental methods and tools. Theresearch is carried out within the ERC project NSHOCK(ERC Consolidator Grant 2013).


The candidate will develop novel numerical techniques fornon-ideal compressible-fluid flows and will contribute tothe further development of current experimental test-rigs.The research is also aimed at developing novelexperimental techniques, including new optical techniquesand pressure sensors.

Educational objectives

Understanding of the dynamics of non-ideal compressible-fluid in close-to-saturation and close-to-critical conditions;expertise in the developing of numerical methods for non-ideal flows; expertise in conducting experimentalinvestigation in non-ideal flow conditions.

Job opportunities Senior aerodynamicist for the aerospace and energysector

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Name of the research directors A. Guardone, A. Spinelli, F. Cozzi

Contacts

[email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8393






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Research Field: NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF LIGHT STRUCTURES





The ability to simulate the nonlinear behavior of lightstructures, up to their ultimate load, is a key factor for theirsuccessful design. The ever increasing computationalpower allows developing detailed Finite Element models.However, the complexity and the interaction of materialand geometric nonlinearities can push standard finiteelement techniques to their limits. In this context, thepresent research activity aims to develop new andenhanced analysis methodologies for the analysis ofmodern lightweight structures. Possible fields of researchinclude but are not limited to nonlinear isogeometricanalysis, extended finite elements, multilevel analysis,nonlocal constitutive laws, damage and ruptures, andadvanced beam and shell nonlinear models. Thedeveloped tools will contribute to the realization of anintegrated framework for the optimization, even inpresence of uncertainties, of lightweight structuresdesigned to operate in the nonlinear regime.


Development of advanced adaptive finite element orisogeometric codes; development of advancedconstitutive laws. Development of nonlinear solution,structural optimization and uncertainty propagationprocedures.


The student is expected to acquire a strong background innonlinear computational mechanics, multidisciplinarysimulation systems and eventually numerical optimizationtechniques.

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Job opportunitiesThe competences required for this project are valuableassets for a quick and successful employment.



Name of the research directors P. Mantegazza, M. Morandini, R. Vescovini

Contacts

[email protected]; +39 02 [email protected]; +39 02 [email protected]; +39 02 2399.8332






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Research Field: ROTORCRAFT AEROMECHANICS AND DESIGN





Rotorcraft aeromechanics encompasses flight dynamicsand control, rotor dynamics and aeroelasticity. Thesedisciplines are crucial to modern rotorcraft design andanalysis, given the intimate coupling of aerodynamics,structural dynamics, control and aeroelasticity impactingon rotorcraft performance and handling qualities. Theobjective of the present research is to integrate andaugment existing prediction methods of varying levels offidelity to support the analysis and optimal design ofrotorcraft system, including nonconventionalconfigurations. The derivation of design criteria is sought,with special attention to innovative light rotorcraft and newgeneration tilt-rotors.


Integration of flexible multibody solvers, performance(flight mechanics) prediction tools, blade/rotor structuralanalysis tools, and other simulation codes within anoptimization environment for rotorcraft design. Thesetechnology will be used to design, optimize and verify oneor more rotorcraft systems.


Expertise in modern integrated aircraft designmethodologies and tools, deep understanding of rotorcraftaeromechanics.

Job opportunities Senior aircraft designer/flight dynamicist/rotor dynamicist



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Name of the research directors Lorenzo Trainelli, Alessandro Croce

Contacts--






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Research Field: ROTORCRAFT MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN





Modeling the dynamics of helicopters requires the tightintegration of several disciplines. Nonlinear structuraldynamics, steady and unsteady aerodynamics, controlsystems and other subsystems modeling, like hydraulics,ice formation and shedding or even biomechanics arerequired to investigate such complex dynamical system.The objective of this research is to developmultidisciplinary virtual simulation systems to be used forthe enhancement of rotorcraft. These include numericalmodels and flight simulators, which are used toinvestigate problems related to human machineinteraction. Within this research field several problemshave been, and need to be, tackled, including:aeroservoelastic stability, rotorcraft pilot coupling,vibration control, ice accretion, morphing systemsdevelopment, Gurney flaps design and analysis.


The development of numerical virtual models will bebased on the exploitation of multibody-multidisciplinarycodes developed in-house, along with several open and in-house CFD solvers. Fixed-base flight simulators, whichbelong to the FRAME Lab, will be developed and used toinvestigate the interaction of the systems with pilots andoperators.


Deep understanding of the dynamics of rotary wingvehicles, expertise in developing computational tools, andperforming experiments, assessment of numericalsimulation and experiment results.

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Job opportunities Senior flight physics expert or senior dynamicist.



Name of the research directors G. Quaranta, P. Masarati, A. Guardone

Contacts

[email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8393






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Research Field: AEROELASTICITY, VIBROACOUSTICS AND CONTROL OF STRUCTURES





The ability to model, simulate and control aeroservoelasticphenomena is a key factor for the successful design ofmany light structures. Reduction of transmitted vibrationsand noise emission, either by means of active or passivesolutions, is another extremely challenging engineeringproblems. Goal of the project is the development of newmultidisciplinary modeling techniques and controlmethods. Possible fields of research include: developmentof advanced aeroservoelastic models, improvement of thecontrol efficiency and effectiveness of multidisciplinaryaeroservolelastic design and optimization techniques, theimprovement of vibration transmission and noise emissionmodeling and control.


Many methods and techniques may be developed andused. Among them: aerodynamic high fidelity models andreduced order simulation techniques; robust, scheduled-adaptive, linear-nonlinear control design; StatisticalEnergy Analysis, Wave-based approaches, advancedFinite Elements, improved analytical and semi-analyticalstructural models; development of damping materialsconstitutive laws and experimental identification ofconstitutive laws parameters; design and optimization ofacoustic metamaterials; robust design of dampingsystems and vibrating machinery; hierarchical,multidisciplinary modeling of massively actuated fluid-elastic systems; design of centralized and decentralizeddistributed control systems.

Educational objectives The student is expected to acquire multidisciplinary

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competences in some of the following research fields:aeroservoelastic modeling and control, optimization,structural design, vibration modeling and control, soundtransmission and material modeling. He will likely use andimprove modular, possibly parallel and multidisciplinarysimulation and optimization codes.

Job opportunities

The multidisciplinary competences required for theseprojects are valuable assets for a quick and successfulemployment. The above research fields are crucial for awide range of engineering applications, includingaerospace, automotive, civil and marine ones.



Name of the research directors G. Ghiringhelli, P. Mantegazza, M. Morandini

Contacts

[email protected]; 39 02 2399 [email protected]; 39 02 [email protected]; 39 02 [email protected]; 39 02 [email protected]; +39 02 [email protected]; +39 02 2399.8329






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Research Field: TURBULENT FLOWS, INSTABILITY AND CONTROL





This is a wide research field with instability and turbulenceas its main themes. Turbulent flows are all-encompassingin applications, and their numerical simulation (at variouscost and accuracy levels, ranging from RANS to DNS) isessential in the design process of virtually any systemwhere fluid is in motion. Flow control is a young researchfield where one tries to improve the performance of a fluidsystem by external manipulation (e.g. actuators) or simplyby improved design (shape optimization). In either case,properly choosing the optimization strategy is a keyelement for a successful flow control. Sometimes flowcontrol acts on a developing flow to hinder its instabilities;other times the control strategy aims at modifying thecyclic behaviour of a dynamical system.


From the numerical standpoint, this research field typicallyemploys a number of techniques spanning from DNS toLES and RANS, and a broad range of powerfulmathematical tools. The group is active in developing andimproving numerical tools in DNS (e.g. highly efficientparallel solver) and LES (e.g. developing a new hybridRANS/LES model; studying the grid and p-adaptivity for aDiscontinuous Galerkin Finite element). From theexperimental viewpoint, the group has in the recent pastspecialized in experimental measurement of turbulent skin-friction drag reduction, and has succeeded to measurethe (so far) largest ever reduction of pressure loss in apipe via active flow control. Moreover, we develop plasma(DBD and corona) actuators that attract considerableinterest from industries. From the standpoint of control

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laws, that need be derived from a profound physicalinsight, we are leading the research of energy-efficientcontrol laws for turbulent skin-friction drag reduction inwall-bounded flows. We employ several optimizationstrategies, including those based on the adjoint operator.


Deep understanding of the physics of a near-wallturbulent flow is a common educational goal. Dependingon the specific project, additional objectives may becontrol theory, or experience in laboratory work, actuatordevelopment, high-level computer programming, high-performance computing.

Job opportunitiesCFD engineer, control specialist, experimentalaerodynamicist



Name of the research directors A. Abbà, F. Auteri, M. Belan, M. Quadrio

Contacts

[email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8349






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Research Field: OPTIMAL DESIGN OF MORPHING WINGS BASED ON COMPLIANT

STRUCTURES





The great interest in developing morphing wings is mainlybased on their capability to adapt their shape to optimizesome specific aircraft performance indices during themission. Nevertheless, the design and of these kind ofadaptive structures requires the availability of adhocdeveloped procedures able to tackle the conflictingrequirements such as the high deformability requested tochange the airfoil shape coupled to the load carryingcapability. One of the most promising concept recentlyproposed for morphing wings is one based on the conceptof distributed compliant structures.


To fully exploit all the potential benefits of the adaptiveand morphing concepts, it is requested to adopt thetypical techniques of the Multi-Disciplinary Optimization(MDO). The PhD candidate will contribute to thedevelopment of such as procedures as well to the designand testing of experimental demonstrators to validate themorphing concepts. The research will be developed in theframework of a new EU funded research project.


This research topic will provide training of PhD candidatesin fundamental disciplines, like structural design, andaeroelasticity, as well as in MDO techniques, in aninternational environment.

Job opportunitiesResearchers with a strong background in fundamentaldisciplines as well as in multidisciplinary methodologiesare strongly requested by industries, non limited to the

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aerospace field.



Name of the research directors Sergio Ricci

Contacts

Email: [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8319Web: www.aero.polimi.it/ricciProject homepage: www.aero.polimi.it/ricci/morphing.php






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Research Field: ADVANCED MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES





The success of future aerospace structures will dependon their multi-functionality. Their efficiency will depend ontheir capability of integrating different features (e.g.structural performances, thermal endurance and morphingcapabilities). Their durability will depend on the capabilityof self-monitoring and (possibly) self-healing. Theiraffordability will depend on the capability of incorporatingHUMS (health and usage monitoring systems) forimplementing predictive maintenance approaches.Besides, advanced process technologies should be madeavailable for including, reliably and profitably, all thesecharacteristics into the final product These are the generalobjectives in this research field and the focused targets ofthis specific research topic.


The research will be carried out through a multi-toolnumerical/experimental/technological philosophy, i.e.exploiting the synergy among innovative numericalapproaches, up-to-date actuating/sensing strategies andadvanced production technologies.


To get the capability to design smart structures andassess related process techniques. To gain experience inmanaging multi-tools research approaches.

Job opportunitiesProduction process manager, senior materials scientist,senior test engineer

Composition of the research group1 Full Professors1 Associated Professors2 Assistant Professors

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2 PhD StudentsName of the research directors G. Sala, L. Di Landro, A. Airoldi, P. Bettini

Contacts

[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8361)[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8398)[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8363)[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8391)






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Research Field: STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES





The application of innovative materials and structuralconcepts in modern vehicle structures introduces newchallenging tasks in the design methodologies.Composites materials with polymeric or ceramic matrices,as well as hybrid and smart structures are difficult to bedesigned and verified by using classical stress-basedanalysis. In such cases, the analysis of the structuralintegrity requires more complete and multi-scalenumerical approaches, based on non-linear constitutivelaws, which can take into account defects, residualstresses induced by manufacturing process, developmentof subcritical damages and statistical distribution ofproperties. The objective of the research is a furtherdevelopment of existing approaches and constitutive laws,at different scale levels, and their effective application inthe design process of real-world advanced composite andsmart structures.


The research will involve a possible development of newconstitutive laws for the thermo-mechanical response ofmaterials, and the application of already developedmodeling techniques for the design of structuralcomponents, within a multi-scale approach and a stronginteraction with experimental activities.


Acquisition of numerical and testing skill for themanagement of the design process of advanced structuralcomponents

Job opportunities Senior design engineer of composite/smart structures,1 / 2

Senior materials scientist



Name of the research directors A. Airoldi, G. Sala, L. Di Landro, P. Bettini

Contacts

[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8363)[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8361)[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8398)[email protected] (tel. +39-02-2399.8391)






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Research Field: SPACE MISSIONS ENGINEERING





The research in this field covers a variety of researchtopics. For the major part, research activities fall into thebroad area of mission analysis, space trajectories design,space systems and space robotics, which are not only ofacademic interest but also with a strong relationship withindustrial applications. Subtopics such as spacecraftdesign, mission planning, on-board autonomy, trajectoryoptimization, navigation, control and planetary explorationare covered.


As appropriate to each specific research project, methodsand techniques adopted include development andapplication of analytical and numerical tools as well asexperimental methodologies.


To create specialists in the field of mission analysis andspace systems optimization by means of advancedcourses, to improve and broaden technical knowledgeand skills of PhD candidates, and direct participation toworld-class research activities.

Job opportunities

Foreseen job activities include: (1) research ininternational and Italian space agencies; (2) industriesrelated to the design and manufacturing of satellites andspace components; (3) research in Italian and foreignuniversities. Post-doctoral grants are available to Ph.D.within the department.


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7 PhD StudentsName of the research directors F. Bernelli, M. Lavagna, M. Massari, F. Topputo

Contacts

[email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8351Homepage: http://www.aero.polimi.it/~space






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Research Field: SPACE PROPULSION





Access to space and in-space propulsion are importantand challenging areas of research for the future of themankind. Chemical is a multidisciplinary subject wherechemistry, thermodynamics, mechanics, and fluiddynamics concur to build up rocket system performance.Current research roadmaps are inspired by costreduction, green propulsion, and application to novelmissions (such as satellite deorbiting). These subjects arepresent in the FLPP (Future Launcher PreparatoryProgram) and CleanSky initiatives. The subject that will bedeveloped in the program will follow such framework, withspecific emphasis on novel rocket configurations, fuelsand propellants, performance prediction, and combustion-related aspects.


The candidate will develop experimental rigs for materialfire testing, 0-D or 1-D numerical models for rocketperformance prediction, advanced techniques forcombustion diagnostics (high speed video techniques,microthermocouples, microcalorimetry etc.). Thermo-mechanical characterizations (TGA/DT, DSC, DMA,rheometer) will be applied for formulation development.


Understanding of rocket performance affecting factors andcapability to develop, implement, and use advancedmethodologies for their prediction, characterization, andimprovement. Use of standard and dedicated diagnostictechniques. Development of capability for test campaignplanning, result analysis and interpretation.

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Job opportunitiesSenior propulsion engineer or research scientist incompanies or institutions involved in space propulsion.



Name of the research directors Luciano Galfetti, Filippo Maggi

Contacts

[email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8287






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Research Field: ACTIVE CONTROL OF WIND TURBINES





The control of large wind turbines is an extremelychallenging engineering problem due to several factors,including the need to reduce loads caused by windturbulence and gusts, hydro-dynamic effects in off-shoreapplications, the need to reduce vibrations and avoid aero-elastic instabilities, and many others. Goal of the projectis the development of active control methods andsupporting technologies which can meet the needs ofcurrent design configurations, and that can operate in arobust and reliable manner, self-adapting to a wide rangeof operating conditions.


Model-based linear and non-linear controllers, adaptivecontrol laws which can self-adjust to varying operatingconditions, Kalman-based observers of the wind turbineflexible states and of the wind states, system identificationtechniques.


The student is expected to gain competence on the state-of-the-art of aero-servo-elastic modeling of wind energysystems, modern active control techniques and theirhardware implementation.

Job opportunities

The research group works in close collaboration withseveral Italian and foreign companies, which are alwaysinterested in hiring engineers with specific wind energycompetence and experience. Former students now workfor Garrad Hassan, Vestas, Leiwind, etc.

Composition of the research group 1 Full Professors

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0 Associated Professors1 Assistant Professors3 PhD Students

Name of the research directors Carlo L. Bottasso, Alessandro Croce

Contacts

[email protected], [email protected], +39-02-2399.8322POLI-Wind project homepage: http://www.aero.polimi.it/bottasso/POLI-Wind.htm






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Research Field: ROTORCRAFT AERODYNAMICS





Rotorcraft aerodynamics is a very challenging subject,due to the coexistence of several physical features:unsteadiness, shocked flow, flow separation, complexvertical wakes, noise, fluid/structure interaction. Theobjective of the present research is to investigate, bymeans of apposite experiments and newly developedexperimental techniques, and existing high-fidelityCFD/CSD simulation tools for fluid/structure coupling, thechallenging fundamental and applied aerodynamicfeatures of helicopters and tilt-rotor aircrafts, like tilt-rotorinterference effects, blade dynamic stall, blade- vortexinteraction, helicopter-obstacle interference effects,rotorcraft drag reduction.


Wind tunnel tests, development of experimentaltechniques, coupling of CFD and multi-body in-housecodes for fluid-structure interaction, development of newgeneration unstructured, adaptive CFD codes for accuratesimulation of blade-vortex interaction and vorticitydynamics.


Deep understanding of the flow physics of rotary wingvehicles, expertise in developing computational tools, andperforming experiments, assessment of numericalsimulation and experiments results.

Job opportunities Senior aerodynamicist


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4 PhD StudentsName of the research directors L. Vigevano, G. Gibertini, A. Guardone

Contacts

[email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8393






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Research Field: PHYSICAL FLUID DYNAMICS





Research activities at the Physical Fluid DynamicsLaboratory (PFDL) are aimed at understandingfundamental issues arising in fluid flows operating athighly non-ideal conditions, including flows of rarefiedgases, multi-phase and interfacial flows and the fluiddynamics of vapors close to the liquid-vapor saturationcurve and critical point, using a comprehensivetheoretical, experimental and numerical approach. Theexpertise in these research areas is a necessaryrequirement to tackle applications such as e.g. the aero-thermodynamics of re-entry vehicles, vacuum systemsdesign, sustainable energy and flow processes in micro-and nano-devices.


CFD techniques for non-ideal and multiphase fluids(Volume of Fluid, Diffuse Interface Models); Monte Carloand Molecular Dynamics


Matching macroscopic and microscopic approaches toachieve a deeper understanding of fluid behavior andimprove modeling tools.

Job opportunitiesSenior fluid dynamicist for energy, space and materialscience applications.



Name of the research directors M. Belan, A. Frezzotti, A. Guardone, L.Quartapelle

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Contacts

[email protected] , [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], (Tel.) [email protected], (Tel.) +39-02-2399.8393






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PhD in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING - 31th cycle · 2020-04-17 · PhD in AEROSPACE ENGINEERING - 31st...

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