Energy Engineering

The course consists of the following modules: - properties of materials [20 hours]; - material classes [40 hours] - innovative materials [30 hours] In detail, the program includes: INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS: Classification, life cycle, selection. Crystalline and amorphous structure, defects. Relations between structure and properties. PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS: mechanical properties (behavior to stresses and strains, elastic and plastic deformation, real stresses and strains, modulus of elasticity, strength, ductility, resilience, toughness, hardness. Reinforcement mechanisms in metals. Ductile and brittle fracture, impact fracture test, fracture toughness, fatigue and creep behavior); thermal properties (thermal conductivity, specific thermal capacity, melting point, maximum service temperature, thermal expansion coefficient, thermal shock behavior); the electrical properties (electrical resistivity, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, electrical stiffness); the magnetic properties; the environmental properties (embodied energy, CO2 footprint, water consumption, eco-indicator in the production, service and recycling phases). Traditional and emerging MATERIALS for the production, conversion, collection, and storage of energy: Structure, composition, properties, production, use, requirements, and durability of the main classes of materials used for energy applications: ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, ceramic materials and glasses, binders and concrete, polymeric materials, composite materials. Materials for energy efficiency (inorganic and organic, natural and synthetic insulating materials; glass: laminated, insulating, low emissivity, photovoltaic). Electrochemical materials: batteries and capacitors, fuel cells; thin-film for photovoltaics; thermo-photovoltaic devices; photoelectrochemical cells for hydrogen generation; solid oxide electrolytic cells.

To understand the contents of the course and achieve the learning objectives, the students must possess a basic knowledge of mathematics and a solid knowledge of general and inorganic chemistry.

 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 26 February 2024 to 31 May 2024).

The evaluation is based on the results: 1) a written test, aimed at verifying the acquisition of knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge in the execution of numerical calculations. The assignment consists of three exercises on the properties of materials. 2) an oral interview aimed at verifying the acquisition of a critical sense in understanding the phenomena, in the choice of solutions, and their application The final grade is expressed out of thirty of which: - Up to 2 points (weight on the total grade of about 6.7%) - Attendance, interest, involvement, and punctuality in the delivery of assigned tasks - Up to 18 points (Weight on the total grade about 60%) – For the three exercises - Up to 10 points (Weight on the total grade about 33.3%) - Oral interview consisting of a maximum of three questions on the topics of the course. There will be 5 exam dates (June, July, September, January, and February) and two additional dates reserved for eligible categories (October and March), still to confirm. There are 3 intermediate tests during the course (indicatively the first at the beginning of April, the second at the beginning of May, and the last at the end of the course) with which, if passed, you have direct access to the oral exam.

The adopted teaching model includes traditional lectures and flipped classrooms for the acquisition of knowledge as well as numerous exercises to carry out also in groups for the application of knowledge to real cases. Each week a task will be assigned via the virtual classroom with a specified deadline to respect. Weekly assignments may include questions, exercises, insights, or critical assessments on specific topics. Failure to return weekly assignments will affect eligibility access to intermediate tests.