ARIA Project - Partners
The aim of ARIA project is to develop integrated systems, based on the use of shape memory alloys (SMAs), able to activate surface shape morphing capabilities, in a continuous and active way, in order to improve the aerodynamic performance of motorized vehicles.
It was analyzed the possibility to obtain increase in performance and reduction in fuel consumption by using smart materials. SMAs can be used to develop active composites which are able to change their shape when they are subjected to input stimuli in response to specific operating conditions.
To develop effective shape morphing capabilities of the vehicle surfaces depending of proper input, the material selection, i.e. in terms of matrix material, fiber reinforcements and SMAs, represents a very critical issue, together with the design and optimization of the composite layout and the development of suitable production processes. As a consequence, specific projects tasks was carried out for a deep analysis, through theoretical and experimental studies, aimed to the selection and characterization of the most promising materials to realize active composites.
The development of robust design and optimization methodologies was performed to identify the suitable layout of the active composite surfaces, based on the mechanical and functional requirements. The design methods was supported and validated by numerical (FEM) and experimental approach.
The manufacturing processes, for the active composites, was developed for specimens and technological demonstrators production. The engineering solution was designed and manufactured according to the best vehicle integration, in order to evaluate the technical KPI. All the performances evaluations were performed by track and wind tunnel tests.
