Mechanical models and prototypes - Course outline

1. STRENGTH and SHAPE

From line (beam) to surface (shell)

How the shape may influence the strength of objects

Surfaces and two-dimensional structures (objects)

Empirical approach for flat and curved shell structures

2. GEOMETRIC and STRUCTURAL MODELING

3D modeling codes vs structural modeling codes

Interpretation of main mechanical quantities & results

3. INTEGRATED GEOMETRIC MODELING and STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Scan&Solve: a plug-in for basic structural simulation of Rhinocers solids

From digital modeling to physical modeling

Physical modeling purposes

Introduction to rapid prototyping processes and technologies

4. PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE

Rapid prototyping of an “hopefully” optimized object at the Tecnopolo lab facilities

REFERENCES

Schodek D.L., Strutture, Patron Editore, 2004.

Migliacci A., L’architettura dell’equilibrio e della deformazione, volume II, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, seconda edizione, 2006.

Allen E., Zalewski W., Form and forces, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey, 2010.

Moore F., Understanding structures, WCB/McGraw-Hill, 1999.

Lecture notes