The department is the reference point at CIRA for RS&T activities, of national and international interest, in the Rotorcraft and Air Traffic Management sectors. It contributes to the market competitiveness of the Centre in the areas of Rotorcraft, Guidance Navigation and Control, Air Traffic Management, Materials, Aerostructures, Vibroacoustics, Smart Structures, Metrology.
The department is involved in research activities in collaboration with SME, industry, public entities, universities, research centres, by pursuing a strategy based on the support of national industrial needs by meeting the technological goals set by the programs of the Centre.
This strategy has led to the creation of competencies and tools through a strong integration between analytical-numerical design and experimental validation activities, in accordance with emerging international trends of aeronautical and space technologies, by focusing its efforts in the development of numerical-experimental methodologies, engineering activities, demonstrators.
The activities can be grouped in the following areas:
Aerostructures Design
Increase reliability and performance level of aerospace structures, realised by means of advanced materials (composite, metal alloy, multifunctional materials, etc.) with the integration of several capabilities (preliminary design, structural analysis, development of accurate analysis methods, prototyping and testing).
Advanced Technologies and Materials
Promote the introduction of new technological solutions and advanced materials, lighter and more resistant to mechanical, thermal and environmental stresses, in order to reduce costs and time of production, fabrication and assembly of aeronautical and space structures based on these materials.
Vibroacoustics and Smart Structures
Develop capabilities of structural design to “noise and vibrations”, also by conceiving and developing adaptive structural components, with the ability to modify their own characteristics according to the specific mission or contingent situation.
Guidance, Navigation and Control
Increase the mission’s automation level of aerospace vehicles, also improving the reliability and safety levels, with the aim of optimizing the integration between the human operator and the complex decision process for mission management.
Rotorcraft
Ensure capabilities and tools able to support the participation, in a coordinated manner with national stakeholders, to the research activities included in the technological roadmaps of the rotorcraft sector. Develop a wide range of competences in the rotorcraft sector, and the related facilities, in order to contribute to the technological development of innovative rotorcraft systems.
Air Traffic Management.
Develop specific competences for the design and validation of Decision Support Algorithms, one of the main challenges of the future air transportation system, looking to increase autonomy and optimising the sharing of responsibilities between on-board and ground segment.
Contact
Dr. Piergiovanni RENZONI
e-mail p.renzoni@cira.it
Tel.: +39 0823 623580 - Fax: +39 0823 623515