Latest Publications
Here you can find the latest publications of the SIAMS laboratory.
Engineering of a CMC aeronautical muffler
The work investigates the possibility to use C/SiC composite to build an aeronautical Auxiliary Power Unit system muffler. The material is mechanically characterized and it is verified that the properties are not degraded by exposure to oxidizing atmosphere. The response is characterized by significant non-linearities and a pseudo plastic response, which were modeled using a Drucker-Prager model, and the detailed design of the muffler is verified, for different loading conditions, using a Finite Element model. Finally, a full-scale prototype is produced and assembled, thus proving the technological feasibility of the design.
This project has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 101007816. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Clean Sky 2 JU members other than the Union.

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A bi-phasic numerical approach for non-linear response and stiffness recovery related to residual thermal stress in UHTCMCs

ZrB2-based UHTCMCs are a novel class of fiber-reinforced ceramic materials used in supersonic applications, which can reach operative temperatures exceeding 1800°C. In this new work in collaboration with CNR-ISSMC (Faenza, Italy) and published by the prestigious Journal of the European Ceramic Society, an effective analytical and numerical framework is introduced to link the severe pseudo-plasticity presented by the material to the presence of residual thermal stress (RTS) developed during the manufacturing process. This approach allowed to effectively model the softening and the stiffness recovery observed, as well as their temperature dependance.
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Impact Response of Monolithic and Laminated Polycarbonate Panels: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Polycarbonate is an extremely tough material, with high transparency level and it is the top choice for windshields for motorsport and aeronautical applications, in which they have to guarantee a high penetration resistance for the safety of the passengers. This study aimed to investigate the impact resistance of monolithic and laminated polycarbonate plates for windshields through a coupled experimental–numerical study. Impact tests were performed by using a drop tower and a gas gun and the response of the polycarbonate plates was evaluated in terms of the failure mode, perforation velocity threshold, and energy absorption mechanism. The experiments allowed for the assessment and the generalization of a 3D finite element modeling approach originally developed for supersonic application based on different state-of-the-art constitutive theories, including temperature-dependent and rate-dependent von Mises plasticity coupled with ductile damage, Mie–Grüneisen equation of state, and temperature variation due to energy dissipation under adiabatic assumptions. The approach was completed with a cohesive zone model for a laminate plate and studies were performed to highlight the relevancy of different aspects of material characterization.
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Other recent publications can be found at:
- Chen, C., Airoldi, A., Caporale, A.M., Sala, G., Yin, X., 2024. Impact response of composite energy absorbers based on foam-filled metallic and polymeric auxetic frames. Composite Structures 331, 117916. Full paper here.
Publications from 2023 can be found at:
- Riva, M., Airoldi, A., Caporale, A.M., Cavalli, L., De Stefano Fumo, M., 2023. Interlaminar Response of LSI-Produced C/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites: Experiments and Modelling. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 175, 107774. Full paper here.
- Airoldi, A., Novembre, E., Mirani, C., Gianotti, G., Passoni, R., Cantoni, C., 2023. A model for damage and failure of carbon-carbon composites: development and identification through Gaussian process regression. Materials Today Communications 35, 106059. Full paper here.
- Novak, N., Al-Rifaie, H., Airoldi, A., Krstulović-Opara, L., Łodygowski, T., Ren, Z., Vesenjak, M., 2023. Quasi-static and impact behaviour of foam-filled graded auxetic panel. International Journal of Impact Engineering 178, 104606. Full paper here.
- Riva, M., Airoldi, A., Turconi, T., Ballarin, P., Boiocchi, M., Bottasso, L., 2023. Development and manufacturing of flexible joints based on corrugated composite laminates. Composite Structures 308, 116683. Full paper here.
Publications from 2022 can be found at:
- Ghiasvand, S., Airoldi, A., Bettini, P., Mirani, C., 2022. Analysis of residual stresses and interface damage propagation in hybrid composite/metallic elements monitored through optical fiber sensors. Aerospace Science and Technology 129, 107373. Full paper here.
- Ballarin, P., Airoldi, A., Aceti, P., Ghiasvand, S., Sala, G., 2022. Experimental Identification of Frictional Effects on Interlaminar Toughness of Composite Laminates in 4ENF Test. Exp Mech 62, 1135–1145. Full paper here.
- Caporale, A.M., Airoldi, A., Natali, M., Boiocchi, M., Torre, L., Rallini, M., 2022. Thermomechanical response of out-of-autoclave infused carbon-phenolic laminates for rocket engine applications subjected to surface ablation. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 159, 107035. Full paper here.
- Airoldi, A., Boiocchi, M., Natali, M., Mirani, C., Di Pancrazio, L., Consiglio, G., Ballarin, P., Riva, M., 2022. Feasibility of a Morphing Rocket Nozzle for Thrust Vector Control based on Corrugated Composite Laminates. Appl Compos Mater. Full paper here.