Ricerc@Sapienza

The present proposal of research activity considers the development of techniques of modelling and advanced manufacturing of structural components with embedded networks of sensors and energy harvesters for space applications. The possibility to almost real time monitoring the health of a structural components possibly by sensors networks self-powered trough the operational environment is of great interest for modern space applications. Moreover, the use of the cited embedded networks of sensors within single components can be envisioned further than the simple health monitoring during operational life. Indeed, those embedded networks can be seen as an improvement of all the Manufacturing Assembly Integration and Testing (MAIT) cycle of a spacecraft by permitting to monitoring easily the component conditions along with the production and to perform more efficiently the testing phases. All those concepts are envisioned in the modern Industry 4.0 paradigm.

The design of embedded networks requires a deep analysis of the considered application in terms of system and mission requirements in order to define the best harvesting methods together with the performance it has to guarantee.

This research will follow the following steps:
1. By means of a System Engineering approach the components to be studied will be selected
2. State-of-the art assessment and Selection of sensors and energy harvesters to be used
3. Mathematical modeling of the networks for performance prediction
4. Manufacturing process and experimental test-case development

The following test case will be considered:
¿ A payload adapter of a launcher with embedded sensors and energy harvesters
The considered test-cases will permit to apply the developed conceptual methodologies and to demonstrate their appeal for advanced industrial applications. Moreover, the sensorised payload adapter of a launcher with energy harvester embedded will be tested and the system will show its ability to harvester energy.