The research group activities embrace multiple aspects related to both aeronautical and space propulsion. The main research topics to which the group's skills are devoted are the aerodynamic design of turbomachinery components, the aerothermodynamics of aerospace propulsion, the numerical simulation of aeronautical engines and combustion, and the analysis of space trajectories.
- Aerospace propulsion systems: performance analysis, optimization and experimental test
- Multidisciplinary design and optimization of jet engine systems and their components
- Development of numerical methods for thermal and aero-elastic simulation of internal and external flows and their control, and for combustion / combustion instabilities
While the interest in scale-resolving simulations is constantly growing, classical approaches based on Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations will remain a fundamental tool in the design of aerospace propulsion systems for several decades. Closure models for RANS equations are usually based on analytical and empirical assumptions: data-driven methods allow to systematically exploit high-fidelity data from experiments or scale resolving simulations for improving existing RANS model. The research activity is focused on the application of machine learning techniques for improving turbulence and transition models in aerospace propulsion systems with particular attention to the imposition of physical constraints to the data-driven models.
- Multidisciplinary optimization of rocket propulsion systems
The research activity is focused on the development of multidisciplinary optimization methodologies for the study of chemical rockets, delving into aspects related to ascent trajectory, propellant technology, and more generally, the various elements that constitute the propulsion system. In particular, the potential of direct, indirect, and evolutionary optimization methods is being investigated, whether used individually or synergistically. Additionally, machine learning techniques are integrated into the optimization process to study the combustion and the environmental impact of rocket-based launch systems.
- Development, analysis and testing of innovative propellants
The research activity focuses on the development, analysis, and testing of innovative propellants for solid rocket motors, exploiting innovative production techniques, particularly UV-curing and 3D-printing. Specifically, the experimental work concerns the analysis and the characterization of non-reactive mixtures and the fine-tuning of the various elements of the production process.
- Space trajectory optimization
The subject of the research line is the application of optimization methods to space trajectories. The specific purpose of the research is the improvement of optimization methods and the combined use of traditional (direct and indirect methods, evolutionary algorithms) and innovative techniques (artificial intelligence and machine learning) for the optimization of geocentric and interplanetary trajectories and rendezvous missions.