Laboratorio di Strutture e Materiali Aerospaziali
The DICI Aerospace Division has extensive experience in conducting experimental tests on aerospace materials, parts, and large components. The Aerospace Structures Laboratory is equipped with ten servo-hydraulic uniaxial machines (with forces ranging from 10 to 3,000 kN), one biaxial machine for testing large flat panels (with forces of 500 kN in each direction) and various state-of-the-art data acquisition systems (including strain gauges and LVDTs). Phased-array ultrasonic scanning and optical microscopic analysis can be carried out on the premises, and a state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope (SEM) facility is available through the University of Pisa's Center for Instrument Sharing.
The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for conducting fatigue and damage tolerance characterization of aerospace metallic materials and structures, as well as composite materials characterization. The lab also offers assessment of fracture toughness, durability and damage tolerance of composites, and testing of large components (both static and fatigue).
The laboratory has acquired a particular degree of expertise in the field of interlaminar fracture toughness characterizations of composites (static and fatigue). This expertise has been developed over the course of several years of collaboration with Leonardo Helicopter Division (LHD, formerly AgustaWestland).
The laboratory has been collaborating with major industrial partners (Leonardo, SAFRAN Aircraft Engines, Avio, Airbus) to conduct experimental research programs on metal and composite aerospace structures.
Most relevant programs carried out in collaboration with Leonardo Aerostructures include Testing on Boeing 787 large composite Test Articles, Bombardier C-series large composite Test Articles, Characterization of Composite material systems for the Nacelle Program, Design and testing of a DTP-RFI “Ω” window frame, Post-buckling of composite stiffened panels.
