The main objectives of the course are to introduce and discuss the main issues related to measurements on mechanical and thermal systems, to the acquisition, analysis, processing and interpretation of experimental data.
The student will be able to understand the working principle and to select the most appropriate sensor/instrument to be used in the most common mechanical engineering measurements.

Knowledge and understanding.
The main objectives of the course are to introduce and discuss the main issues related to measurements on mechanical and thermal systems, to the acquisition, analysis, processing and interpretation of experimental data.

Applying knowledge and understanding.
Applying knowledge, understanding and skills in solving problems in new areas included in wider contexts related to the energy analysis of industrial processes.
Making judgements.
Develop the ability to complete knowledge and manage complexity. Ability to make judgment on the basis of limited/incomplete information including the analysis of the ethical and social responsibility.
Communication skills.
Develop the ability to communicate clearly the knowledge to specialist and non-specialist interlocutors.
Learning skills.
Develop learning skills that allow to continue the study autonomously.

Nothing.

1) Principles of measurement
Measurement concept: definitions and standardisation. General measurement systems configurations. Examples of application to different application areas.

2) Instrument types and performance characteristics
Static calibration and calibration curve. Metrological characteristics: accuracy, sensitivity, threshold, resolution, hysteresis, linearity. Uncertainty: definitions and standardization, analysis and determination.

3) Analog-to-digital conversion
Quantization and coding. Analog signal acquisition and conditiong. A/D converters. Sequential and simultaneous multi-channel acquisition configurations.

4) Statistical analysis
Introduction to probability. Random variables, probability densities and distributions. Expected value and variance. Law of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem. Hypothesis testing.

5) Data Analysis
Regression and correlation. Time series.

6) Callipers, potentiometres, LVDTs, capacitive, optical and magnetic proximity sensors. Incremental and absolute encoders.

7) Force, torque and power measurements
Strain gage: basics. Scales and piezolelectric and strain gage load cells. Torquemeters. Mechanical, hydraulic and magnetic brakes.

8) Pressure measurements
Manometers, piezoelectric, piezoresistive and capacitive pressure sensors.

9) Flow velocity measurements
Pitot tube. Hot-wire anemometer: basics.

10) Flow rate measurement
Differential pressure (obstruction-type) meters, UNI Standards, Variable area flowmeters (Rotameters). Other flowmeters: turbine meters, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, Coriolis, thermal flowmeters.

11) Temperature measurements
Thermometers e thermocouples. Thermoresistances e thermistors. Infrared methods: pirometers e thermocameras.

12) Fuels and lubricants characterizations
Fuels and lubricants characteristics, Measure of the flashpoint and viscosity of a lubricant. Measure of the Cetane Number of a fuel.

13) Electrochemical measurements
Basics of electrochemistry. Main electrochemical techniques, electrochemical measurements applied to fuel cells and batteries, standards of reference.

14) Testing of plant and machinery
According to the laboratory activity the plants/machineries will be selected.

Lecture notes and course materials provided by the teacher.

Recommended reading:
"Strumenti e metodi di misura" by Ernest O. Doebelin, McGraw-Hill
(English version: "Measurement Systems: Application and Design" by Ernest O. Doebelin, McGraw-Hill)
"Misurare per decidere" di G.Barbato, A.Germak, G.Genta, Società Editrice Esculapio

For more on batteries and fuel cells:
Fuel Cell Engines, M. M. Mench, John Wiley & Sons, 2008, ISBN: 9780471689584
Fuel Cell Systems Explained, Dicks, Rand, 2018, Wiley, 9781118613528
Ramschak, Hacker et al., Detection of fuel cell critical status by stack voltage analysis, Journal of Power Sources 157 (2006) 837–840, doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.01.009
IEC 62282-3-200:2015
Handbook of Batteries, D. Linden, T. B. Reddy, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2001, 9780071359788
Batteries Materials principles and characterization methods, 2021, C. Liao, DOI: 10.1088/978-0-7503-2682-7

1) Principles of measurement
Measurement concept: definitions and standardisation. General measurement systems configurations. Examples of application to different application areas.

2) Instrument types and performance characteristics
Static calibration and calibration curve. Metrological characteristics: accuracy, sensitivity, threshold, resolution, hysteresis, linearity. Uncertainty: definitions and standardization, analysis and determination.

3) Analog-to-digital conversion
Quantization and coding. Analog signal acquisition and conditiong. A/D converters. Sequential and simultaneous multi-channel acquisition configurations.

4) Statistical analysis
Introduction to probability. Random variables, probability densities and distributions. Expected value and variance. Law of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem. Hypothesis testing.

5) Data Analysis
Regression and correlation. Time series.

6) Callipers, potentiometres, LVDTs, capacitive, optical and magnetic proximity sensors. Incremental and absolute encoders.

7) Force, torque and power measurements
Strain gage: basics. Scales and piezolelectric and strain gage load cells. Torquemeters. Mechanical, hydraulic and magnetic brakes.

8) Pressure measurements
Manometers, piezoelectric, piezoresistive and capacitive pressure sensors.

9) Flow velocity measurements
Pitot tube. Hot-wire anemometer: basics.

10) Flow rate measurement
Differential pressure (obstruction-type) meters, UNI Standards, Variable area flowmeters (Rotameters). Other flowmeters: turbine meters, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, Coriolis, thermal flowmeters.

11) Temperature measurements
Thermometers e thermocouples. Thermoresistances e thermistors. Infrared methods: pirometers e thermocameras.

12) Fuels and lubricants characterizations
Fuels and lubricants characteristics, Measure of the flashpoint and viscosity of a lubricant. Measure of the Cetane Number of a fuel.

13) Electrochemical measurements
Basics of electrochemistry. Main electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopy), electrochemical measurements applied to fuel cells and batteries, standards of reference.

14) Testing of plant and machinery
According to the laboratory activity the plants/machineries will be selected.

Lessons in class and lab practices.

Additional teaching material will be available for students on the Moodle platform. Changes due to COVID 19 safety protocols will be announced through the DIA (Department of Engineering and Architecture) and the Degree web pages.

Aim of the exam is to assess an adequate knowledge of the theoretical and practical topics discussed in the course and the ability to apply them to the solution of basic engineering issues regarding the mechanical measurements. The exam consists of an oral examination, articulated in three extended questions. At least one question regards the lab practice. In this regard, the candidate has to bring at the exam the written collection of the exercises carried out during the course. Grades are from 1 to 30. Minimum grade: 18.

The course covers topics closely related to one or more of the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.