Latest Publications

Here you can find the latest publications of the SIAMS laboratory.

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.

Read the full paper here


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.

Read the full paper here


Impact response of composite energy absorbers based on foam-filled metallic and polymeric frames

An innovative concept is proposed for energy absorption, based on hexachiral auxetic frames filled with foam. The energy absorbed by the composite absorbers is found superior to the sum of those absorbed by the constituent elements tested separately. Moreover, significant advantages are evidenced also at the level of the specific energy absorbed per unit mass. The mechanisms involved in the energy absorption process and the interactions between the constituent materials are analyzed. The numerical approach is validated through an impact experiment on a 3D-printed polymeric hexachiral frame filled with open-cell polyurethane foam.

Read the full paper here


Other recent publication can be found at:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.