OVERVIEW

Composite materials are very useful in biomedical engineering but their use requires special care. The course focuses on the study of the characteristics of composite materials and their design methodologies. The materials for the construction of exoprostheses as well as those for endoprostheses will be examined. Definition of matrix and reinforcement. Study of the anisotropic aspects of composites. Characteristics and construction of the main long fiber reinforcements (carbon fibers) and particulate(ceramic-based) composite. Interaction and adhesion between reinforcement and matrix, defects and problems inherent to technology and materials. Prepregs and separate component systems. Woven and non woven materials. Fracture of fibers and laminates, scaffolds and hybrid systems. Reinforcement sizing and layering treatments. Ceramic matrix fibers and composites. Manufacturing techniques. The course will be completed by a module on regulatory aspects in designing with innovative materials.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide to students the capability to manage new material items based upon an engineering point of view focused on the device need and constraints when created with advanced innovative materials. Carbon fiber as well as ceramic based composites and the technologies to produce, treat, stabilize them will be presented and studied in their specific features. Application methodologies with their main advantages and possible problems will be discussed with the students. Regulatory frameworks, specifically devoted to bring a new product on the market and to take care of the strict biomedical need, will be also highlighted by a specific 8 hrs short course. Comparison between European and Usa normative will be illustrated. Continuous comparative analysis between the scientific and industrial viewpoints will be performed in classroom.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The students will learn the principles to be applied when dealing with composites materials and real cases will be discussed in class to illustrate the main features and problems. Learners are expected to be able to manage the basic step with composites materials and be able to list the main possible advantages and disadvantages when moving to composite based devices

PREREQUISITES

Outcomes from Bachelor studies especially related to Chemist and Physics studies are fundamental, as well as the knowledge gained with the Material Science exam or equivalent.

TEACHING METHODS

Oral lessons in classroom with a strong interconnection with the student that will be asked to participate in the problem analysis and possible solution proposals

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Slides provided by the teacher as well as suporting text if required by the students

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Will be indicated by the teacher

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Accordingly to UNIGE scheduling

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam with possibility for the student to introduce an item of her/his choice among those discussed in the course. This option, if applied, will make the item to be discussed in a detailed fashion.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The student will be evaluated by her/his capability to manage the introduced problems and propose a technical solution based and supported by what has been learned in the course

FURTHER INFORMATION

Previous Science Courses knowledge is considered as a fundamental step to be applied.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.