- Advanced isogeometric methods, with a special focus on explicit dynamics
One of the most successful modern frontiers of Computational Mechanics is Isogeometric Analysis (IGA), first proposed by Tom Hughes and coworkers in 2005 to bridge the gap between Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The basic IGA paradigm consists of adopting the same basis functions defining geometry in CAD systems for the approximation of field variables, leading to a cost-saving simplification of typically expensive mesh generation and refinement processes. In addition, IGA high-regularity properties grant better accuracy per-degree-of-freedom and enhanced robustness with respect to classical FEA, as well as great potential to open new doors for building fast and reliable simulation tools.
Along these lines, the proposed research consists of taking advantage of the unique features of IGA to build advanced simulation methods for solid and structural mechanics, which can be extremely fast and accurate at the same time. Both Galerkin and collocation approaches will be considered and the main focus will be on (explicit) dynamics problems.
- Computational modeling for 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) Technologies
3D printing (3DP) is an innovative manufacturing process, that enables the production of solid objects with a complex shape, starting from a virtual model through an additive manufacturing process, i.e., through a sequential deposition of material layers.
Although traditional manufacturing will still be competitive in large-scale productions in a close future, 3DP role will significantly grow in several areas. Such a growth comes with a new challenge: traditional design methods, leveraging on computational mechanics and optimization tools, have not yet been tailored to 3DP to effectively support production processes.
This challenge calls for a new modeling and computational framework, combining different physics and scales to be tackled at the same time. Accordingly, the proposed research project will be focused on the numerical simulation of 3D printing manufacturing.
In particular, the project goal is the development of advanced computational frameworks to support the exploration of innovative structural applications based on additive manufacturing technologies, with a particular emphasis toward metal-based methodologies.
The project plans to achieve such a goal combining activities deployed along three directions: 1) development of computational methods; 2) design of innovative applications; 3) prototyping and testing of devices.
The candidate will be required to develop both in-house codes as well as to use commercial or open-source codes for the development of models and methodologies. Particular attention will be devoted to the geometry optimization of specific components, possibly suggested by a group of companies interacting with the proponents.
- 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) Technologies for Advanced Fluidics
3D printing (3DP) is an innovative manufacturing process, that enables the production of solid objects with a complex shape, starting from a virtual model through an additive manufacturing process, i.e., through a sequential deposition of material layers.
Although traditional manufacturing will still be competitive in large-scale productions in a close future, 3DP role will significantly grow in several areas. Such a growth comes with a new challenge: traditional design methods have not yet been tailored to 3DP to effectively support production processes.
The proposed research project will be focused on the exploitation of 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) Technologies for Advanced Fluidics applications.The candidate will be required to:- Support the acquisition of 3D printing technologies for fluidics applications;
- Use of commercial or open-source codes for the development of geometry optimization of specific components, possibly suggested by a group of companies interacting with the proponents;
- Development of innovative solutions for the design of valve and pumps, possibly suggested by a group of companies interacting with the proponents.
The project will be supported by the expertise developed within:
- University of Pavia Thematic Strategic Project 3D@UniPV: Virtual modeling and Additive Manufacturing for Advanced Materials
- University of Pavia Rapid Prototyping Laboratory Proto-Lab
- Computational Mechanics Advanced Material Group