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Organizational structures for external growth of University Technology Transfer Offices: An explorative analysis
No full textDespite the increasing attention to university-industry technology transfer, limited emphasis has been posed on how the university offices in charge of this task organize themselves to grow. University Technology Transfer Offices (UTTOs) can grow internally, e.g. expanding their staff, or externally, e.g. pooling resources among different UTTOs creating new organizational structures. In this paper we study the latter. Exploiting the opportunity of a specific technology transfer policy introduced in Italy, we develop six in-depth case-studies, encompassing twenty UTTOs. We identify three organizational structures that are adopted by UTTOs to achieve external growth. In discussing antecedents, advantages and disadvantages of each organizational structure, we derive implications for UTTOs' managers and policy makers
Development of computational efficient shell formulation for analysis of multilayered structures subjected to mechanical, thermal, and electrical loadings
No full textThe aim of this work is the development of robust finite shell model suitable for numerical applications in solid mechanics with a remarkable reduction in computational cost. Two-dimensional (2D) structural models, commonly known as plates/shells, are for instance used in many applications to analyze the structural behavior of thin and slender bodies such as panels, domes, pressure vessels, and wing stiffened panels amongst others. These models reduce the three-dimensional 3D problem into a two-dimensional 2D problem, where variables depend on the in-plane axis coordinates. Two-dimensional elements are simpler and computationally more efficient than 3D (solid) models. This feature makes plate/shell theories still very attractive for the static, dynamic response, free vibration, thermo-mechanical and electro-mechanical analysis, despite the approximations which they introduce in the simulation. Nevertheless, analytical solutions for three-dimensional elastic bodies are generally available only for a few particular cases which represent rather coarse simplifications of reality. In most of the practical problems, the solution demands applications of approximated computational methods. The Finite Element Method (FEM) has a predominant role among the computational techniques implemented for the analysis of layered structures. The majority of FEM theories available in the literature are formulated by axiomatic-type theories. In this thesis, attention is focused on weak-form solutions of refined plate/shell theories. In particular, higher-order plate/shell models are developed within the framework of the Unified Formulation by Carrera, according to which the three-dimensional displacement field can be expressed as an arbitrary expansion of the generalized displacements. A robust finite shell element for the analysis of plate and shell structures subjected to mechanical, thermal, and/or electrical loadings is developed. A wide range of problems are considered, including static analysis, free vibration analysis, different boundary conditions and different laminations schemes, distributed pressure loads, localized pressure loads or concentrated loads are taken into account. The high computational costs represent the drawback of refined plate/shell theories or three-dimensional analyses. In recent years considerable improvements have been obtained towards the implementation of innovative solutions for improving the analysis efficiency for a global/local scenario. In this manner, the limited computational resources can be distributed in an optimal manner to study in detail only those parts of the structure that require an accurate analysis. In the second part of the thesis two different methodology are presented to improve the analysis efficiency, and at the same time keeping the finite higher-order plate/shell element accuracy. The two approaches can be collocated in the simultaneous multi-model methodologies. The first is the Mixed ESL/LW variable kinematic method, where the primary variables are described along the shell thickness selecting some plies with an ESL description and others with a LW behaviour by using the Legendre polynomials for both the assembling approaches. The second approach is a new simultaneous multi-model, here presented as Node-Dependent Variable Kinematic method. The shell element with node-dependent capabilities enables one to vary the kinematic assumptions within the same finite element. The expansion order ( along the shell thickness ) of the shell element is, in fact, a property of the FE node in the present approach. Different kinematics can be coupled without the use of any mathematical artifice. The theories developed in this thesis are validated by using some selected results from the literature. The analyses suggest that Unified Formulation furnishes a reliable method to implement refined theories capable of providing almost three-dimensional elasticity solution, and that the two simultaneous multi-theories methods are extremely powerful and versatile when applied to composite or sandwich structures subjected to various mutlifield loadings
A Novel Approach for Teaching IT Tools within Learning Factories
No full textUniversities around the world are developing strategies to include into their curricula trend topics from Industry 4.0, such as Cyber Physical Systems, robotics, process virtualization and advanced IT tools. However, at the state of the art in literature there is few evidence for educational environments in which all these components are fully integrated. SMALL Factory, an ongoing project in Politecnico di Torino, aims to develop an integrated learning factory based on the technologies triggering the fourth industrial revolution. Beside the transfer of technological skills, the laboratory allows the on field training of students in the use of open source IT tools such as PLM and ERP systems. The present paper aims to present the teaching methodology proposed within the SMALL Factory framework. The ultimate aim of this project is to replace the traditional software teaching, based on tutorials and simple case studies, with a learning by doing, integrated approach, in order to provide students with a comprehensive perspective of a modern manufacturing environment and to train their mindset to be responsive
Component-wise Analysis of Reinforced Thin-walled Metallic and Composite Structures
No full textReinforced structures are thin structures reinforced using additional components, which are joined using different technologies, milling, riveting or welding. The technological process used to realize a reinforced structure makes it possible to have structural continuity between elements on which it is realized, such as the plate, stringers, and ribs. In fact, when a reinforced structure is realized using a milling machine, the stringer derives from the same work-piece and inevitably the continuity between plate and stringers is guaranteed. When the classical joints, like welding and rivets, are used the congruence of the displacements is verified only in a portion of the interface; moreover, the joints may have a lower strength of the original material. For these reasons the mathematical model used is crucial because otherwise the results are not representative of the component analyzed. Accurate analyses of reinforced structures require the use of 3D (Solid) FEM (Finite Element Method) models. A large number of degrees of freedoms (DOFs) is needed, and the computational costs could become prohibitive when solid models are used. 2D (Shell) and 1D (beam) models are used instead of 3D models to reduce the CPU in FEM analysis. These simplified mathematical models introduce assumptions, based on geometrical and kinematic approximations, which reduce the DOFs but could largely increase the error. For these reasons contribution direct to introduce efficient and robust reduced models are welcome. Among these, those referenced as "Component-Wise" approaches which are based on FEs based on Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) have been recently proved to be a reliable framework for further developments which are the object of the present research proposal. Various analysis of simple components, such as plate and curved reinforced panels, are considered to analyze the effect of the stringers in the FE models compared to the 1D-CUF models. The stringer changes the solution locally, in term of stress and displacement field and also regarding the local vibration because indeed the local strength increases. The shape of the stringer is an additional parameter to consider when reinforce structures are modeled using the refined models (beam and shell/plate) in the FE modeling. The one-dimensional CUF formulation is also used to analyze the effect of the reinforced configurations in the case of complex structures In fact, in the case of reinforced cylindrical components or launchers, the reinforced layout must be modeled considering the local and the global effects. Composite materials, non-structural masses, and load-factor are included in the analysis, performing the implications for the dynamic analysis due to the different approaches used in the modeling. Various FE models are used to carry out the results of the FE modeling. In particular, in the 3D FE models, both plate and stringer are modeled using the same solid elements. In the 2D FE models, shell elements are utilized for the plate and also for the stringers. In contrast, the 2D-1D FE models are characterized by the coupling between shell and beam elements, in particular, the shell elements are used for the plate while the beam elements for the stringers. The 3D, 2D, and 2D-1D models are analyzed using the commercial NASTRAN code, where the 3D solution is used as the reference solution. The results show the need for the reduced FE models to adopt appropriate valuations and accurate analysis when reinforced structures are modeled, because the stringer and its shape can influence the static and dynamic analyses. In addition, the results show the capabilities of the present approach to deal with the analysis of conventional complex space structure. The results indicate that the current models can give accurate results with a high reduction in the computational cost with respect traditional approaches
Innovazione, imprenditorialità, tecnologia: La promessa di una nuova urbanità
No full textIl presente contributo prende in esame il discorso pubblico dell'innovazione con riferimento al contesto italiano contemporaneo, delineandone la logica e le possibili implicazioni. L'euforia collettiva che "l'innovazione" è capace di suscitare e la diffusione linguistica di tale termine ri ettono una trasformazione sociale e culturale in corso, con conseguenze importanti a livello antropologico e geogra co sulle quali ri ettere in modo critico
In-situ polymerization of poly (butylene terephthalate) in presence of graphene-related materials: effects of nanoparticles structure and defectiveness on crystallinity and thermal conductivity of the relevant nanocomposites
No full textCyclic butylene terephthalate (CBT) were polymerized into poly (butylene terephthalate) (pCBT) in presence of different types of graphene-related materials, with variable size and structural defectiveness. Selected nanoflakes were annealed at 1700°C in vacuum, resulting in a reduced amount of defects, as consistently proven by several techniques [1]. Nanocomposites were prepared by pre-dispersing nanoflakes in CBT, followed by catalyzed ring-opening polymerization during extrusion. This technique allowed obtaining superior dispersion of nanoflakes compared to conventional melt processing methods, thanks to facile infiltration of CBT between the nanoflakes and further dispersion as a result of shear applied during mixing [2]. Thermal conductivity tests showed significant variability as a function of nanoparticle defectiveness, surface area and lateral dimensions. A dramatic increase in the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite was observed in presence of annealed nanoflakes (up to 1.7 W/m∙K with 10 wt.% loading), compared to the pristine nanoflakes, evidencing the importance of using low defective materials. The study of nanocomposite thermal conductivity before and after polymerization was also addressed, to gain insight in the modification of nanocomposites morphology upon polymerization [3]. Furthermore, the effect of different processing parameters (time, temperature, shear rate) when preparing nanocomposites was addressed [4]. The presence of nanoflakes was found to strongly affect crystallization of nanocomposites evidencing for nucleating effects and the formation of a new high-temperature melting phase depending on the nanoparticle grade
Ecological quality: effective use of resources and recycling processes, reduction of evironmental costs/Qualità ecologica: uso efficace delle risorse e dei processi di riciclo, riduzione dei costi ambientali
No full textHackmytown: an Educational Experience on Smart Cities
No full textThis paper describes the preparation and the execution of an educational experience consisting of a challenge, called Hackmytown, among five different teams composed by university students, aimed at experiencing challenges in the definition of "smart" services for a city. Glurns/Glorenza, the smallest city of South Tirol (Italy), was chosen as the ideal location to verify the application of the concept of Smart City in a small community by adopting a bottom-up approach involving local stakeholders and Municipality
A cellular automaton model for offshore evacuation risk assessment
No full textA new approach to assess the risk associated with jetfire and poolfire accidents on an offshore oil facility using cellular automata is presented. This model simulates many accident scenarios, and the related evacuation processes, adopting a Monte Carlo approach in order to evaluate an average consequence and then a more realistic value of the risk associated with these accidents. The results of this new method are discussed and compared with the results obtained from a traditional approach over a real case study. The comparison shows that this new approach supplies lower risk-related results, still being conservative; besides, it can supply further information useful in the design phase
