Simulazione del volo di un catamarano con hydrofoil

Velocity prediction program per catamarano con V-foil anteriori e T-foil posteriori, simulazione di volo 3DOF con analisi della stabilità e dei carichi applicati.

Deposizione elettrochimica di esacianoferrato di rame tramite un metodo "a due step"; caratterizzazione e valutazione delle prestazioni

In this thesis we have identified two electrochemical procedures for preparing two compounds of copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) films with different compositions and structures. The deposition were carried out using a “two steps” method consisting in electrochemical oxidation of previously deposited metallic copper on carbon substrates (glassy carbon and graphite foil electrodes) in K3[Fe(CN)6] solution. Both films, CuHCF-methodA and CuHCF-methodB, were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (GC) and their study using XANES spectroscopy revealed evidence of different structures. Additionally, insertion and extraction of different cations (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Al3+ and Cs+) were performed and the results indicate that CuHCF-methodA has slightly better performances and operational stability than CuHCF-methodB. Data from galvanostatic charge-discharge tests confirme the latter observation. An application for amperometric detection of H2O2 and SEM micrographs are also reported for both films (method A and B). Comparing these results with a previous work of our research group, seems that the deposition of two different compounds using methodA and methodB is due to the different stoichiometry of ions Cu2+ e [Fe(CN)6]3– created near electrode surface during the dissolution step.

Development of an instrumented customizable total knee prosthesis for experimental tests.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has revolutionized the life of millions of patients and it is the most efficient treatment in cases of osteoarthritis. The increase in life expectancy has lowered the average age of the patient, which requires a more enduring and performing prosthesis. To improve the design of implants and satisfying the patient's needs, a deep understanding of the knee Biomechanics is needed. To overcome the uncertainties of numerical models, recently instrumented knee prostheses are spreading. The aim of the thesis was to design and manifacture a new prototype of instrumented implant, able to measure kinetics and kinematics (in terms of medial and lateral forces and patellofemoral forces) of different interchangeable designs of prosthesis during experiments tests within a research laboratory, on robotic knee simulator. Unlike previous prototypes it was not aimed for industrial applications, but purely focusing on research. After a careful study of the literature, and a preliminary analytic study, the device was created modifying the structure of a commercial prosthesis and transforming it in a load cell. For monitoring the kinematics of the femoral component a three-layers, piezoelettric position sensor was manifactured using a Velostat foil. This sensor has responded well to pilot test. Once completed, such device can be used to validate existing numerical models of the knee and of TKA and create new ones, more accurate.It can lead to refinement of surgical techniques, to enhancement of prosthetic designs and, once validated, and if properly modified, it can be used also intraoperatively.