In the last years, the Department of Mechanical, Nuclear and Production Engineering (DIMNP) has developed an intense research activity in the field of Computer Aided Design of Mechanical Structures. In collaboration with national and international industries, research activities concerning the development and application of computer aided technologies to support conceptual design and analysis processes of mechanical products, are developed.

Virtual Prototyping
Many activities are focused on the development of virtual prototypes capable to simulate geometric characteristics and physical behaviours of mechanical systems. For this purpose, the DIMNP has some of the most advanced CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) systems. Furthermore, the DIMNP is involved in the development of procedures to support design processes on the basis of artificial intelligence techniques, such as Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms.

CAD methods
Parametric and feature-based CAD tools are used to apply and to develop novel techniques for geometric modelling of mechanical systems. Furthermore, studies are in progress concerning CAD-based procedures to support particular aspects of mechanical design: machinery safety, ergonomics, top-down design, concurrent engineering.

CAE techniques
FEM and multi-body systems are used to simulate the behaviours of complex mechanical structures. Recently, the researchers have focused their interests on FEM analysis of contact problems and dynamic phenomenons, the integrations between CAD-CAE codes and the structural optimisation of mechanical components.

Reverse engineering
A further field of primary relevance concerns the development of optical methods for non-contact measurement of physical prototype shapes. The procedures are integrated to commercial solid modelling codes in order to obtain the corresponding geometrical models directly within a computer aided design environment.

Contact person
Prof. S. Barone E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it