Energy Engineering

The course is structured into the following modules: INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS [2 hours]: Classification, life cycle, selection. Crystalline and amorphous structures, defects. Relationships between structure and properties. MATERIAL PROPERTIES [25 hours]: Mechanical properties (behavior under stress and strain, elastic and plastic deformation, actual stresses and strains, modulus of elasticity, strength, ductility, resilience, toughness, and hardness. Strengthening mechanisms in metals. Ductile and brittle fracture, impact fracture tests. Fracture toughness. Fatigue and creep behavior); Thermal properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, melting point, maximum service temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, behavior under thermal shock); Electrical properties (electrical resistivity, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, electrical breakdown strength); Magnetic properties; Environmental properties (embodied energy, CO2 footprint, water consumption, eco-indicator during production, service, and recycling phases). CLASSES OF MATERIAL[40 hours]: Classification, structure, properties, production, and treatments of metallic materials and alloys; ceramic materials and glasses; polymeric materials; composite materials; carbon-based materials; natural materials. TRADITIONAL AND EMERGING MATERIALS FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONS [23 hours]: Insulating materials; materials for wind energy, photovoltaics, geothermal energy; overview of materials for nuclear applications and electrochemical materials for energy harvesting and storage.

To effectively understand the course content and achieve the intended learning outcomes, students must possess a solid foundational knowledge of mathematics, with particular emphasis on the properties of exponents and logarithms, as well as a good command of general and inorganic chemistry, at the beginning of the teaching activities.

 W.D. Callister - Materials Science and Engineering or in alternative W.F. Smith, J. Hashemi – Foundations of Materials Science and Engineering- McGraw-Hill  Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability edited by D.S Ginley and D. Cahen - Cambridge University Press  Papers provided by the teacher  Slideshows presented in class  Exercises book The material, in digital format, will be made available at the beginning of the course with the exception of the PowerPoint which will be shared in real-time, using a virtual Google classroom (whose access code will be sent via email to the attendants).

Attendance, although not compulsory, is strongly recommended. This course is scheduled for the second semester (approximately from February 23rd 2026 to May 31st 2026).

Exam Passing Criteria The exam can be passed through two different modes, depending on whether the student passes the two intermediate tests scheduled as follows: the first shortly after Easter, and the second at the end of the course. Students who pass both intermediate tests gain direct access to the oral exam, which will be held on a flexible date starting from early June. Students who pass only one test can keep the result obtained and retake only the parts they failed. Note: Partial grades are valid until the July session. After this date, all results will be canceled and the exam must be retaken in full. Students who fail both tests or who do not participate in the intermediate tests will have to take both tests (first and second) consecutively on the same day, according to the official exam schedule. Structure of the Written Tests First test – Properties of materials This test consists of two numerical exercises and a written questionnaire, including 6 multiple-choice questions (0.3 points for each correct answer out of 4 options) and a text with 6 blanks to fill in (0.2 points for each correct word) Second test – Material classes This test is composed of: • An open-ended questionnaire divided into 3 blocks: o Block A: students must answer 2 out of 3 questions (up to 0.5 points each) o Block B: students must answer 2 out of 3 questions (up to 1.5 points each) o Block C: students must answer 1 out of 3 questions (up to 4 points) • A multiple-choice questionnaire: 6 questions (0.3 points for each correct answer) • A text with 6 blanks to complete (0.2 points for each correct word) Evaluation The assessment is based on: 1. The results of the written tests 2. An oral interview aimed at verifying the student’s critical understanding of phenomena, their ability to select solutions, and apply knowledge Final Grade Composition The final grade, expressed out of 30, is composed of: • Up to 2 points (approximately 6.7% of the total grade) – Attendance, interest, engagement, and punctuality in submitting weekly assignments • Up to 8 points (approximately 26.7% of the total grade) – Numerical exercises • Up to 6 points (approximately 20% of the total grade) – Multiple-choice questionnaires and fill-in-the-blank texts • Up to 8 points (approximately 10% of the total grade) – Open-ended questionnaire • Up to 6 points (approximately 20% of the total grade) – Oral exam consisting of up to three questions on course topics

The course features a dynamic structure of teaching activities aimed at stimulating active learning and conscious student participation. The methodologies adopted include: • Traditional lectures, focused on delivering the fundamental theoretical content. • Flipped classroom, where students review the provided materials (articles, videos, technical documents) in advance, then discuss and deepen the topics during class. • Interactive in-class quizzes (using digital tools), to encourage immediate feedback and real-time assessment of learning. • Proactive learning, through activities that require individual reflection, autonomous research, and critical discussion with peers. • Guided debates on current topics related to energy applications of materials, aimed at developing argumentative skills and systemic thinking. • Applied exercises, carried out individually or in small groups, to apply theoretical knowledge to real cases, concrete projects, or analyses of advanced materials; including peer review of some weekly assignments to stimulate critical thinking and constructive feedback. • Weekly assignments: Each week, an assignment will be posted on the Virtual Classroom with a clearly indicated deadline. Assignments may include open or multiple-choice questions, applied exercises, requests for in-depth analysis of scientific articles, patents, or provided materials, as well as brief critical reports or comparative evaluations. Weekly assignments are a fundamental tool to consolidate and verify progressive learning and to prepare for evaluation tests effectively. Punctual submission of weekly assignments will result in eligibility to take intermediate tests and the awarding of a 2/30 bonus to the final exam grade.