Ing. Prof. Carlo Antonini, University of Milano-Bicocca

Understanding and controlling icing: an interdisciplinary challenge​

Icing – the process of ice formation on surfaces – is a complex phenomenon with several open questions. The EU project SURFICE “Smart surface design for efficient ice protection and control” has combined experimental, theoretical, and engineering approaches to address the three following objectives: (i) investigation of the physics of icing of morphologically complex microstructured surfaces, (ii) rational design of new icephobic/anti-icing materials and coatings, (iii) development of new technologies and systems for efficient ice prevention and control. During the talk, Carlo Antonini will provide an overview of the project results, discussing in particular the concept of discontinuity-enhanced icephobicity. Project web site: www.surfice-itn.eu

Dr. Luca Stendardo, ICMATE Lecco

Evaluating Ice Adhesion and Exploring Icephobic Properties of Nickel-Titanium

Ice accumulation on industrial structures poses risks to equipment and safety. Low ice adhesion coatings and active de-icing systems are used to mitigate these risks. Accurate ice adhesion measurement is vital for evaluating new icephobic materials, but current methods like average shear stress often yield inconsistent results by neglecting stress concentrations and fracture mechanisms. This study analyzes the horizontal shear test and develops a framework considering both stress- and toughness-dominated fractures, providing a comprehensive protocol for assessing icephobic surfaces. Applying this framework to Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) reveals its icephobic properties and passive de-icing capabilities.

Jacopo Mazzini, University of Pisa

A leaner thermal model for the transient 3D simulations of Shape Memory Alloys

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are advanced materials of growing interest due to their ability to undergo solid-phase transitions under mechanical and thermal stimuli, altering their crystalline structure. These properties make them ideal for actuation systems. While SMA-based systems already exist, accurately predicting their thermomechanical behavior remains a challenge. Phenomenological models are commonly used, often emphasizing mechanical aspects while simplifying thermal effects. Fully coupled models, though more accurate, are computationally demanding. This study addresses the gap in thermal simulation by proposing a simplified, case-independent model that reformulates Liang & Rogers’ martensitic functions, accounting for partial transformations and enthalpy changes, and compatible with thermo-mechanical coupling.

LINK:   teams.microsoft.com/registration

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