The aim of the course is to provide in-depth knowledge on the main materials used in offshore applications (e.g. platforms, wind turbines, subsea pipelines, ...), characterized by extreme environments due to the combination of chemical, mechanical and thermal stresses. Technologies for improving the performance of materials by modifying the internal microstructure or for surface engineering will be illustrated, as well as methods for advanced characterization of monitoring performance / properties. At the same time, an overview of structural health monitoring systems and related smart materials will be provided.
teacher profile teaching materials
The course combines both theoretical and experimental approaches and aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the materials used in offshore constructions, with particular emphasis on the extreme environmental conditions typical of such applications (e.g., offshore platforms, wind turbines, subsea pipelines), where materials are exposed to complex combinations of chemical, mechanical, and thermal stresses.
Theoretical Content
The theoretical part of the course will cover the following topics:
Properties and behavior of the main materials used in marine environments (metals, composites, polymers, cement-based materials);
Degradation and corrosion mechanisms in offshore environments;
Advanced and multiscale material characterization techniques;
Technologies and methodologies for structural health monitoring in marine environments.
Experimental Activities
The experimental component includes laboratory work aimed at developing a project report focused, for example, on materials, energy harvesting, or structural monitoring applied to specific case studies in the offshore sector.
Students will be actively involved in:
Preparation and characterization of materials;
Use of tools for performance analysis and monitoring under simulated conditions;
Discussion of results and preparation of a group technical report.
Alternatively, for students unable to attend in-person activities, a non-experimental literature-based project may be arranged, consisting of a critical review of the scientific literature, without laboratory work.
Programme
Course ObjectivesThe course combines both theoretical and experimental approaches and aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the materials used in offshore constructions, with particular emphasis on the extreme environmental conditions typical of such applications (e.g., offshore platforms, wind turbines, subsea pipelines), where materials are exposed to complex combinations of chemical, mechanical, and thermal stresses.
Theoretical Content
The theoretical part of the course will cover the following topics:
Properties and behavior of the main materials used in marine environments (metals, composites, polymers, cement-based materials);
Degradation and corrosion mechanisms in offshore environments;
Advanced and multiscale material characterization techniques;
Technologies and methodologies for structural health monitoring in marine environments.
Experimental Activities
The experimental component includes laboratory work aimed at developing a project report focused, for example, on materials, energy harvesting, or structural monitoring applied to specific case studies in the offshore sector.
Students will be actively involved in:
Preparation and characterization of materials;
Use of tools for performance analysis and monitoring under simulated conditions;
Discussion of results and preparation of a group technical report.
Alternatively, for students unable to attend in-person activities, a non-experimental literature-based project may be arranged, consisting of a critical review of the scientific literature, without laboratory work.
Core Documentation
Teaching materials provided during the course.Attendance
Theoretical classes are not mandatory, while laboratory activities are mandatory. Upon request, compilative thesis can be activated, which are managed in a non-mandatory manner.Type of evaluation
The exam consists of questions on the topics covered during the course and the discussion of the project report. Students may take the exam through two intermediate assessments: a mid-course test covering the theoretical content; a final assessment focused on the presentation and discussion of the project report. Alternatively, the assessments can be taken in hybrid mode, combining intermediate tests with a regular exam session, based on the student’s preference.