Space and astronautical engineering

Introduction to the space environment; sub-environments and their effects on structures; LDEF mission and the data on materials; the thermal environment and the thermo-optical properties of materials; Multi layer insulation blanket: Kapton, Mylar and coatings, assembly methods and grounding. UV Effects on polymeric materials; color circles. Mechanisms of outgassing: desorption, diffusion, decomposition; semi-empirical relationship of mass loss; Test of outgassing according to ASTM 595 and ECSS_Q70; Molecular contamination and effect on the thermo-optical properties; semi-empirical equation of the times of permanence; Synergistic Effects UV and outgassing; photo-deposition. Description of Neutral environment: aerodynamic drag; atomic oxygen attack on materials; Erosion equation; Impact energy and sputtering of the particles; Spacecraft glow. Plasma environment: ionosphere and magnetosphere; Charging and effects on spacecraft structures: electrostatic discharge, Dielectric breackdown, gaseous arc discharge, reattraction of contaminants; Design guidelines in neutral and plasma environments. Micrometeorites and orbital debris: hypervelocity impact physics, morphology of the damage of composite materials, metals, thermal blankets, and coatings; Design criteria of multi-shock shield systems: bumper and stand-off; flexible multi-shock shield; Columbus modulus. Radiation environment: radiation in space and their effects on structures; Current protection techniques. Introduction to advanced composite materials. Thermoset and thermoplastic resins for aerospace use. Differences between thermoplastics and thermosets: amorphous material, crystalline and semicrystalline; concept of glass transition temperature; Curve elastic modulus vs temperature; Enthalpy-Temperature/Time curve; analysis and control of quality by Dynamic Scanning Calorimeter; concepts of polymerization and degree of cure. Viscosity concept and time, temperature and cure dependence. Structural fibers. Preforming technologies: 2D and 3D braiding, weaving 3D; stitching, binder, tackfier. Transport equations for composites processing and constitutive laws: conservation of mass in porous medium, Darcy equation, Conservation of energy for non-isothermal and isothermal process. Permeability and experimental methods. Effects of compaction and impregnation phases on final properties of the structures. Phase transformations in materials processing. Analytical model of the Liquide Composite Molding processes. Analytical model of autoclave process. Analytical model of filament winding: geodetic and non-geodetic structures. Analytical model of injection moulding process. Numerical approach for simulation process: finite element/control volume approach and Voronoi diagrams. Cellular solids: structure and properties of foams and aerogels, Fundamental processes and applications. Honeycombs for aerospace applications. Structures with zero-Poisson-ratio and negative Poisson's ratio. Introduction to Kirigami techniques. Sandwich structures: manufacturing; mechanical properties; applications in space systems. Laboratory activities

To successfully undertake this course, the student must possess basic knowledge and skills in the following areas: - Classical mechanics: forces, moment, equilibrium, energy, and work - Concepts of solid mechanics: stress, strain, elastic modulus, deformations - Basic thermodynamics: internal energy, heat, temperature, heat transfer - Fundamentals of materials chemistry - Basic mathematical analysis: derivatives, integrals, simple differential equations - Basic concepts of orbits and space environmental conditions - Ability to read and interpret experimental data

- lecture notes - The Space Environment: Implications for Spacecraft Design by Alan C. Tribble. Princeton University Press, Princenton New Jersey, 2003 - Process Modeling in Composite Manufacturing by Suresh G. Advani and E. Murat Sozer. MARCEL DEKKER, INC. NEW YORK, 2003

Attendance is not mandatory but is highly recommended. If the students do not follow in class, they cannot attend the laboratory experiences.

The assessment of the student's preparation consists of oral questions regarding topics covered in the course. The same questions can also be made in writing form. The evaluation of the oral test constitutes 85% of the final evaluation. The assessment will be carried out for each topic on a scale of thirty points as follows: minimal knowledge (evaluation between 18 and 20), average knowledge (21-23), adequate ability to apply knowledge (24-25), good ability to apply knowledge (26-28), excellent ability to apply knowledge with strong communication skills and critical thinking (29-30). Before the exam (by the date established by the teacher), students have to hand a paper concerning the numerical and experimental experiments carried out during the laboratory experiences. If the work is positively evaluated, this will weight for the 15% on the final evaluation.

For this course, the following combination is proposed: Lectures - Objective: Introduce the fundamental concepts of the space environment, materials, and manufacturing processes. - Contribution to learning outcomes: Lectures provide students with the theoretical foundation necessary to understand advanced topics, such as material degradation in space, composite manufacturing, and the selection of spacecraft materials based on the prevailing environment. Exercises and Problem-Solving Sessions - Objective: Apply theoretical knowledge to specific problems and technical calculations. - Contribution to learning outcomes: Exercises reinforce analytical and computational skills, for example by solving equations for Liquid Composite Molding processes and evaluating the mechanical behavior of materials. Laboratory Experiences - Objective: Provide hands-on experience with materials, instrumentation, and characterization methods. - Contribution to learning outcomes: Laboratory sessions allow students to observe material behavior under controlled conditions, analyze experimental data, and understand the practical implications of theoretical concepts. Group Work - Objective: Develop collaborative skills and tackle complex, multidisciplinary problems. - Contribution to learning outcomes: Group work fosters the integration of knowledge from physics, chemistry, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving in realistic scenarios. Preparation of Written Reports and Technical Documents - Objective: Develop the ability to document, analyze, and communicate technical results effectively. - Contribution to learning outcomes: Writing reports enhances scientific communication skills and enables students to synthesize theory, experimental data, and numerical analyses in a structured manner. Coherence Between Teaching Methods and Expected Learning Outcomes The combination of lectures, exercises, laboratory sessions, group work, and written reports ensures that all learning outcomes are systematically addressed: - Theoretical understanding is reinforced through lectures and exercises. - Practical skills are developed through laboratory experiences. - Integrated and critical thinking is stimulated by group work and written reports. - This multi-method approach ensures alignment between the expected learning outcomes and the instructional strategies adopted in the course.