A research line in this area is dedicated to minimizing vibrations in turbine blade elements for aeronautical propulsion and energy production. Techniques for nonlinear dynamic calculation reduction and models of structures and joints with contact and friction are studied. Experimental activities are conducted in the Aer-Mec Laboratory - Turbines and Compressors, which is equipped with specially designed benches and equipment for:
- investigating the kinematics of friction dampers for turbine blade elements;
- characterizing wear for fretting contacts;
- dynamically analysing mechanical components with contact interfaces on static and rotating benches.
Another research line focuses on issues related to static and dynamic sealing elements. In particular, friction forces, wear, durability, and sealing capacity of individual seals and pneumatic components are measured and analysed. Specific facilities are present in the "Friction and Seals" laboratory, namely: pin-on-disc tribometer (rotating and linear), durability test rig for pneumatic cylinders, friction and contact pressure test rigs for seals and pneumatic cylinders.
A third research line is dedicated to the theoretical and experimental analysis of issues related to the contact between materials and machine elements. In this context, both ceramic coatings (such as Thermal Barrier Coatings used for turbine blades) and lubricants containing innovative materials (such as graphene) are studied and characterized.
DIMEAS Groups involved:
- Aer-Mec for turbine and compressor components
- Automation and Robotics
- Design and experimentation of transmission elements, thermography, and damping materials