Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2017

Mechanical Engineering Master Information
Core Courses
Energy, Flows and Processes
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
151-0106-00LOrbital DynamicsW4 credits3GA. A. Kubik
AbstractPrinciples of the motion of natural and artificial satellites, rocket dynamics, orbital maneuvers and interplanetary missions.
ObjectiveKnowledge of the basic theory of satellite dynamics. Ability to apply the acquired theory to simple examples.
ContentThe two-body problem, rocket dynamics, orbital maneuvers, interplanetary missions, the restricted three-body problem, perturbation equations, satellite attitude dynamics.
151-0110-00LCompressible FlowsW4 credits2V + 1UJ.‑P. Kunsch
AbstractTopics: unsteady one-dimensional subsonic and supersonic flows, acoustics, sound propagation, supersonic flows with shocks and Prandtl-Meyer expansions, flow around slender bodies, shock tubes, reaction fronts (deflagration and detonation).
Mathematical tools: method of characteristics and selected numerical methods.
ObjectiveIllustration of compressible flow phenomena and introduction to the corresponding mathematical description methods.
ContentThe interaction of compressibility and inertia is responsible for wave generation in a fluid. The compressibility plays an important role for example in unsteady phenomena, such as oscillations in gas pipelines or exhaust pipes. Compressibility effects are also important in steady subsonic flows with high Mach numbers (M>0.3) and in supersonic flows (e.g. aeronautics, turbomachinery).
The first part of the lecture deals with wave propagation phenomena in one-dimensional subsonic and supersonic flows. The discussion includes waves with small amplitudes in an acoustic approximation and waves with large amplitudes with possible shock formation.
The second part deals with plane, steady supersonic flows. Slender bodies in a parallel flow are considered as small perturbations of the flow and can be treated by means of acoustic methods. The description of the two-dimensional supersonic flow around bodies with arbitrary shapes includes oblique shocks and Prandtl-Meyer expansions etc.. Various boundary conditions, which are imposed for example by walls or free-jet boundaries, and interactions, reflections etc. are taken into account.
Lecture notesnot available
Literaturea list of recommended textbooks is handed out at the beginning of the lecture.
Prerequisites / Noticeprerequisites: Fluiddynamics I and II
151-0114-00LTurbulence ModelingW4 credits2V + 1UD. W. Meyer-Massetti
AbstractCFD is applied for the simulation of turbulent flows in engineering and the environment. Turbulence models are a crucial component of most CFD solvers. After clearly motivating their use, a model overview is presented. Model formulations and limitations are discussed and illustrated with application examples. The course is accompanied by theoretical and application-oriented (OpenFOAM) exercises.
ObjectiveBy the end of the course, you will have an overview of the most widely used turbulence models. Based on computational constraints, the flow configuration, and the required output information, you will be able to select a suitable turbulence model. Moreover, you will learn about different model development strategies and validation techniques.
Content- Direct numerical simulation (DNS): pseudo-spectral solution method, resolution requirements, computational costs
- Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulent-viscosity models: algebraic models, one-equation models, two-equation models, wall modeling, wall functions
- RANS Reynolds-stress models: return-to-isotropy models, near-wall treatment
- Large eddy simulation (LES): Smagorinsky model and other residual stress models, implicit LES and MILES
- Probability density function (PDF) methods: Lagrangian modeling approach, relation to RANS equations, solution algorithm
Lecture notesThe course is based on part two of the book "Turbulent Flows" by Stephen B. Pope. Additional notes and slide copies are provided for download.
LiteratureS.B. Pope, Turbulent Flows, Cambridge University Press, 2000
P. Sagaut, Large Eddy Simulation for Incompressible Flows, Springer, 2006
Prerequisites / NoticeBefore attending this course, you should have completed Turbulent Flows and an introductory course on stochastics (probability theory and statistics).
151-1115-00LAircraft Aerodynamics and Flight MechanicsW4 credits3GJ. Wildi
AbstractEquations of motion. Aircraft flight perfomance, flight envelope. Aircraft static stability and control, longituadinal and lateral stbility. Dynamic longitudinal and lateral stability.
Flight test. Wind tunnel test.
Objective- Knowledge of methods to solve flight mechanic problems
- To be able to apply basic methods for flight performence calculation and stability investigations
- Basic knowledge of flight and wind tunnel tests and test evaluation methods
ContentEquations of motion. Aircraft flight perfomance, flight envelope. Aircraft static stability and control, longituadinal and lateral stbility. Dynamic longitudinal and lateral stability.
Flight testing. Wind tunnel testing.
Lecture notesAusgewählte Kapitel der Flugtechnik (J. Wildi)
LiteratureMc Cormick, B.W.: Aerodynamics, Aeronautics and Flight Mechanics (John Wiley and Sons), 1979 / 1995

Anderson, J: Fundamentals of Aerodynamics (McGraw-Hill Comp Inc), 2010
Prerequisites / NoticeVoraussetzungen: Grundlagen der Flugtechnik
151-0116-10LHigh Performance Computing for Science and Engineering (HPCSE) for Engineers II Information W4 credits4GP. Chatzidoukas, K. Papadimitriou
AbstractThis course focuses on programming methods and tools for parallel computing on multi and many-core architectures. Emphasis will be placed on practical and computational aspects of Uncertainty Quantification and Propagation including the implementation of relevant algorithms on HPC architectures.
ObjectiveThe course will teach
- programming models and tools for multi and many-core architectures
- fundamental concepts of Uncertainty Quantification and Propagation (UQ+P) for computational models of systems in Engineering and Life Sciences
ContentHigh Performance Computing:
- Advanced topics in shared-memory programming
- Advanced topics in MPI
- GPU architectures and CUDA programming

Uncertainty Quantification:
- Uncertainty quantification under parametric and non-parametric modeling uncertainty
- Bayesian inference with model class assessment
- Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation
Lecture notesLink
Class notes, handouts
Literature- Class notes
- Introduction to High Performance Computing for Scientists and Engineers, G. Hager and G. Wellein
- CUDA by example, J. Sanders and E. Kandrot
- Data Analysis: A Bayesian Tutorial, Devinderjit Sivia
151-0156-00LSafety of Nuclear Power Plants Information W4 credits2V + 1UH.‑M. Prasser, V. Dang, L. Podofillini
AbstractKnowledge about safety concepts and requirements of nuclear power plants and their implementation in deterministic safety concepts and safety systems. Knowledge about behavior under accident conditions and about the methods of probabilistic risk analysis and how to handle results. Basics on health effects of ionizing radiation, radiation protection. Introduction of advanced nuclear systems.
ObjectivePrepare students for a deep understanding of safety requirements, concepts and system of nuclear power plants, providing deterministic and probabilistic methods for safety analysis, equiping students with necessary knowledge in the field of nuclear safety recearch, nuclear power plant operation and regulatory activities. Learning about key elements of future nuclear systems.
ContentPhysical basics, functioning and safety properties of nuclear power plants, safety concepts and their implementation into system requirements and system design, design basis accident and severe accident scenarios and related physical phenomena, methods of probabilistic risk analysis (PRA level 1,2,3) as well as representation and assessment of results; lessons from experienced accidents, health effects of ionizing radiation, legal exposure limits, radiation protection; advanced active and passive safety systems, safety of innovative reactor concepts.
Lecture notesHand-outs will be distributed
LiteratureKröger, W., Chan, S.-L., Reflexions on Current and Future Nuclear Safety, atw 51 (2006), p.458-469
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Recommended in advance (not binding): 151-0163-00L Nuclear Energy Conversion and 151-0153-00L "Reliability of Technical Systems".
151-0160-00LNuclear Energy SystemsW4 credits2V + 1UH.‑M. Prasser, I. Günther-Leopold, S. Hirschberg, W. Hummel, P. K. Zuidema
AbstractNuclear energy and sustainability, Nuclear fuel production, energy and materials balance of Nuclear Power Plants, Fuel and spent fuel handling, Fuel reprocessing, Radioactive waste disposal, Environmental impact of radiation releases.
ObjectiveStudents get an overview on the physical fundamentals, the technological processes and the environmental impact of the full energy conversion chain of nuclear power generation. The are enabled to assess to potentials and risks arising from embedding nuclear power in a complex energy system.
ContentMethods to measure the sustainability of energy systems will be presented, nuclear energy is analysed concerning its sustainability and compared to other energy sources. The environmental impact of the nuclear energy system as a whole is discussed, including the question of CO2 emissions, CO2 reduction costs, radioactive releases from the power plant, the fuel chain and the final disposal. The material balance of different fuel cycles with thermal and fast reactors is examined. A survey on the geological origin of nuclear fuel, uranium mining, refinement, enrichment and fuel rod fabrication processes is given. Methods of fuel reprocessing including modern developments of deep partitioning as well as methods to treat and minimize the amount and radiotoxicity of nuclear waste are described. The project of final disposals for radioactive waste in Switzerland is presented.
Lecture notesThe script will be handed out
151-0166-00LSpecial Topics in Reactor PhysicsW4 credits3GS. Pelloni, K. Mikityuk, A. Pautz
AbstractReactor physics calculations for assessing the performance and safety of nuclear power plants are, in practice, carried out using large computer codes simulating different key phenomena. This course provides a basis for understanding state-of-the-art calculational methodologies in the above context.
ObjectiveStudents are introduced to advanced methods of reactor physics analysis for nuclear power plants.
ContentCross-sections preparation. Slowing down theory. Differential form of the neutron transport equation and method of discrete ordinates (Sn). Integral form of the neutron transport equation and method of characteristics. Method of Monte-Carlo. Modeling of fuel depletion. Lattice calculations and cross-section parametrization. Modeling of full core neutronics using nodal methods. Modeling of feedbacks from fuel behavior and thermal hydraulics. Point and spatial reactor kinetics. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis.
Lecture notesHand-outs will be provided on the website.
LiteratureChapters from various text books on Reactor Theory, etc.
151-0184-00LAdvances in Radiative Heat TransferW1 credit1GW. S. Lipinski
AbstractThis short course provides an overview of advanced topics and
recent developments in radiative heat transfer.
ObjectiveStudents acquire analytical skills and knowledge in advanced thermal sciences, pertinent to modern engineering applications.
ContentThe topics covered include an overview of the radiative transfer theory with elements of electrodynamics and optics, radiative properties of molecular gases and gas radiation models, radiative transfer in heterogeneous media, and numerical methods such as advanced Monte Carlo ray tracing. Examples of recent research studies are discussed to demonstrate the application of the fundamental concepts.
Lecture notesLecture notes are distributed in the beginning of each class.
LiteratureM.F. Modest. Radiative Heat Transfer. 3rd edition, Academic Press, 2013.
Prerequisites / NoticeRadiation Heat Transfer (151-0185-00L) or an equivalent
graduate-level course at other university (highly recommended, not
mandatory though)
151-0204-00LAerospace PropulsionW4 credits2V + 1UR. S. Abhari, N. Chokani
AbstractIn this course, an introduction of working principals of aero-engines and the related background in aero- and thermodynamics is presented. System as well as component engineering aspects of engine design are examined.
ObjectiveIntroduction of working principals of aero-engines and the related background in aero- and thermodynamics. Engineering aspects of engine design.
ContentThis course focuses on the fundamental concepts as well as the applied technologies for aerospace application, with a primary focus related to aviation. The systematic evolution of the aircraft propulsion engines, from turbojet to the modern high bypass ratio turbofan, including the operational limitations, are examined. Following the system analysis, the aerodynamic design of each component, including the inlet, fan, compressor, combustors, turbines and exhaust nozzles are presented. The mechanical and material limitations of the modern designed are also discussed. The environmental aspects of propulsion (noise and emissions) are also presented. In the last part of the course, a basic introduction to the fundamentals of space propulsion is also presented.
Lecture notesVorlesungsunterlagen werden verteilt
151-0211-00LConvective Heat TransportW5 credits4GH. G. Park
AbstractThis course will teach the field of heat transfer by convection. This heat transport process is intimately tied to fluid dynamics and mathematics, meaning that solid background in these disciplines are necessary. Convection has direct implications in various industries, e.g. microfabrication, microfluidics, microelectronics cooling, thermal shields protection for space shuttles.
ObjectiveAdvanced introduction to the field of heat transfer by convection.
ContentThe course covers the following topics:
1. Introduction: Fundamentals and Conservation Equations 2. Laminar Fully Developed Velocity and Temperature Fields 3. Laminar Thermally Developing Flows 4. Laminar Hydrodynamic Boundary Layers 5. Laminar Thermal Boundary Layers 6. Laminar Thermal Boundary Layers with Viscous Dissipation 7. Turbulent Flows 8. Natural Convection.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be delivered in class via note-taking. Textbook serves as a great source of the lecture notes.
LiteratureText:
(Main) Kays and Crawford, Convective Heat and Mass Transfer, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
(Secondary) A. Bejan, Convection Heat Transfer
References:
Incropera and De Witt, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, or Introduction to Heat Transfer Kundu and Cohen, Fluid Mechanics, Academic Press V. Arpaci, Convection Heat Transfer
151-0212-00LAdvanced CFD MethodsW4 credits2V + 1UP. Jenny
AbstractFundamental and advanced numerical methods used in commercial and open-source CFD codes will be explained. The main focus is on numerical methods for conservation laws with discontinuities, which is relevant for trans- and hypersonic gas dynamics problems, but also CFD of incompressible flows and the principles of Lattice Boltzmann and particle vortex methods are explained.
ObjectiveKnowing what's behind a state-of-the-art CFD code is not only important for developers, but also for users in order to choose the right methods and to achieve meaningful and accurate numerical results. Acquiring this knowledge is the main goal of this course.

Established numerical methods to solve the incompressible and compressible Navier-Stokes equations are explained, whereas the focus lies on finite volume methods for compressible flow simulations. In that context, first the main theory and then numerical schemes related to hyperbolic conservation laws are explained, whereas not only examples from fluid mechanics, but also simpler, yet illustrative ones are considered (e.g. Burgers and traffic flow equations). In addition, two less commonly used yet powerful alternative approaches, i.e., the Lattice Boltzmann method and particle vortex methods, are briefly introduced.

For most exercises a C++ code will have to be modified and applied.
Content- Finite-difference vs. finite-element vs. finite-volume methods
- Basic approach to simulate incompressible flows
- Brief introduction to turbulence modeling
- Theory and numerical methods for compressible flow simulations
- Lattice Boltzmann method
- Particle vortex methods
Lecture notesPart of the course is based on the referenced books. In addition, the participants receive a manuscript and the slides.
Literature"Computational Fluid Dynamics" by H. K. Versteeg and W. Malalasekera.
"Finite Volume Methods for Hyperbolic Problems" by R. J. Leveque.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge in
- fluid dynamics
- numerical mathematics
- programming (programming language is not important, but C++ is of advantage)
151-0214-00LTurbomachinery Mechanics and Dynamics
Prerequisites of this course are listed under "catalogue data".
W4 credits3GA. Zemp, R. S. Abhari
AbstractDesigning gas turbines means to translate the aerodynamic and thermodynamic intentions into a system, which is both mechanically sound and manufacturable at reasonable cost. This lecture is aimed at giving a comprehensive overview of the mechanical and design requirements, which must be fulfilled by a safe and reliable machine. Material and life prediction methods will be addressed as well.
ObjectiveTo understand the mechanical behaviour of the mechanical systems of gas turbines.
To know the risks of mechanical and thermomechanical malfunctions and the corresponding design requirements.
To be able to argue on mechanical design requirements in a comprehensive manner.
Content1) Introduction and Engine Classes
2) Rotor and Combustor Design
3) Rotor Dynamics
4) Excursion
5) Blade Dynamics
6) Blade and Vane Attachments
7) Bearings and Seals
8) Gears and Lubrication
9) Spectrum Analysis
10) Balancing and Lifing
11) Couplings and Alignment
12) Control Systems and Instrumentation
13) Maintenance Techniques
Lecture notesDownload during semester.
LiteratureLiterature and internet links are given in downloadable slides.
Prerequisites / Notice4 - 5 Exercises
Excursion to a gas turbine manufacturer.

REQUIRED knowledge of the lectures:
1) Thermodynamics III
2) Mechanics knowledge equivalent to Bachelor's degree

RECOMMENDED knowledge of one or more of the lectures:
1) Aerospace Propulsion
2) Turbomachinery Design
3) Gasturbinen: Prozesse und Verbrennungssysteme
151-0215-00LIntroduction to Acoustics, Aeroacoustics and ThermoacousticsW4 credits3GN. Noiray
AbstractThis course provides an introduction to Acoustics. The focus will be on phenomena that are relevant for industrial and transport applications in the contexts of noise pollution and mechanical fatigue due to acoustic-structure interactions.
ObjectiveThis course is proposed for Master and PhD students interested in getting knowledge in acoustics. Students will be able to predict sound generation, absorption and propagation using various modeling approaches (analytical, numerical) in configurations that are relevant for practical industrial applications (for example in aeronautics, automotive industry or power plants).
ContentFirst, orders of magnitudes characterizing sound propagation are reviewed and the constitutive equations for acoustics are derived. Then the different types of sources (monopole/dipole/quadrupole, punctual, non-compact) are introduced and linked to the noise generated by turbulent flows, coherent vortical structures or fluctuating heat release. The scattering of sound by rigid bodies is given in basic configurations. Analytical, experimental and numerical methods used to analyze sound in ducts and rooms are presented (Green functions, Galerkin expansions, Helmholtz solvers, acoustic field reconstruction, state-space formulation). Modeling strategies to predict self-sustained acoustic oscillations driven by reacting and non-reacting flows are given (system stability, describing function analysis). Finally, guidelines to design active and passive control systems are presented.
Lecture notesHandouts will be distributed during the class
LiteratureBooks will be recommended for each chapter
Prerequisites / NoticeThe use of Matlab and Simulink is required in several lessons which will be announced in advance. The students are expected to bring their own laptop with Matlab installed at these dates.
151-0224-00LSynthesis Fuel EngineeringW4 credits3VC. Muhich, R. Michalsky
AbstractThis course will cover current and prospective chemical fuel technologies. It addresses both fossil and renewable resources technologies.
ObjectiveDevelop a basic understanding of the many convential and renewable fuel synthesis and processing technollogies.
ContentFuels overview including fuel utilization and economics. Conventional fuel module will cover fuel synthesis, refining and upgrading technologies. Renewable fuel module will cover fule synthesis via photo-, electro-, and thermochemical H2O and CO2 splitting and biomass conversion technologies.
Lecture notesWill be available electronically.
LiteratureA) Synthetic Fuels Handbook: Properties, Process and Performace, J.G. Speight, Ed McGraw Hill, 2008; B) Synthetic Fuels, R.F. Probstein and R.E. Hicks, Ed. Dover Publications, 2006; C) Fischer-Tropsch Refining, Arno de Klerk, Ed. Wiley-VCH, 2011; D) Modeling and Simulation of Catalytic Reactors for Petroleum Refining, J. Ancheyta, Ed. Wiley, 2011.
Prerequisites / NoticeA fundamental understanding of chemistry and engineering is strongly recommended.
151-0236-00LSingle- and Two-Phase Particulate FlowsW4 credits2V + 1UC. Müller
AbstractIntroduction to the fundamentals of macroscopic single- and two-phase particulate flows. It should be noted that the lecture focuses on the derivation of analytical expression to explain various phenomena occurring in those systems.
ObjectiveThis course shall provide the students with a deep understanding of the underlying physics of two-phase particulate flows and phenomena occurring in such systems. An introduction to scale-up and reactive flows is included.
ContentFirst, different approaches to characterize granular systems are presented. This is followed by a detailed discussion of phenomena occurring in practical single- and two-phase particulate systems/reactors, e.g. rotating cylinders, vibrated beds or gas-fluidized beds. In addition the influence of fluid dynamics on chemical reactions occurring in gas-solid fluidized beds are discussed. Subsequently, basic approaches to model such systems are provided.

Conclusion - The course covers the following topics:
Characterization of particulate systems.
Forces acting on particulate systems.
Basics of single-phase particulate reactors, e.g. vibrated beds or rotating kilns.
Basics of two-phase particulate reactors, e.g. fixed and fluidized beds.
Reactive two-phase particulate systems.
General modeling approaches for single- and two-phase particulate systems/reactors.
Lecture notesLecture notes available
LiteratureLiterature is recommended for each chapter.
151-0252-00LGasturbines: Cycles and Combustion Systems Information W4 credits2V + 1UP. Jansohn
AbstractGasturbines are used in various applications such as power generation, mechanical drives, jet engines and ship propulsion because they offer high efficiency and low emissions. For all operating conditions the chosen combustion concepts (mainly lean premix combustion) have to maintain stable heat release (combustion reactions) and low pollutant (NOx, CO) formation.
ObjectiveGet familiar with the basics of combustion systems in various gas turbine types; acquire knowledge about gas turbine applications and gas turbine based thermodynamic cycles;
learn about gas turbine combustor geometries and design rules;
understand combustion characteristics for specific conditions relevant to gas turbines; emission characteristics (NOx, CO, soot)of gas turbine combustors; flame stability and thermoacoustics; combustion properties of a range of gas turbine fuels
Contentgasturbine types and applications
- aero engines, stationary gas turbines, mechanical drives, industrial gas turbines mobile applications
gasturbine cycles (thermodynamics)
- cycle characteristics, efficiency, specific power, process parameters (temp., pressure).
energy balance & mass flows
- compression work, expansion work, heat release, secondary air system, exhaust gas losses.
gasturbine components (introduction, basics)
- compressor, combustor, turbine, heat exchanger, ... .
burner/combustor systems
- fuel/air mixing, fuels, combustor geometries, burner configurations, flame stabilization, heat exchange/cooling schemes, emission characteristics.
flame stabilization and thermoacoustics.
combustion technologies
- lean premix combustion, staged combustion, piloting, swirl flames, operating concepts.
new technologies/current research topics
- catalytic combustion, flameless combustion, wet combustion, Zero Emission Concepts (incl. CO2 separation)
Lecture notesbooklet of slides (printing cost will be charged)
Literaturesuggestions/recommendations for additional literature studies given in the script (for each individual chapter/topic)
Prerequisites / Noticebasics in thermodynamics / thermodynamic cycles of heat engines;
basics in combustion technologies
151-0254-00LIC-Engines and Propulsion Systems IIW4 credits2V + 1UC. Barro, P. Dimopoulos Eggenschwiler, P. Kyrtatos, Y. Wright
AbstractTurbulent flowfield in IC engines. Ignition, premixed flame propagation, knock in homogeneous charge, external ignition engines (otto). Compression-ignition diesel engines, incl. mixture formation and HCCI concepts. Direct ignition. Pollutant formation mechanism (NOx, particulates, unburned hydrocarbons) and their minimization. Catalytic exhaust aftertreatment methods for all pollutant categories.
ObjectiveThe students get a further insight in the internal combustion engine by means of the topics mentioned in the abstract. This knowledge is applied in several calculation exercises and lab exercises at the engine test bench. The students additionally get an introduction in exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
Lecture notesHandouts are in German and English.
LiteratureJ.B. Heywood, Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill Mechanical Engineering
Prerequisites / NoticeBy request lectured in English.

This course is a natural extension of the course 'IC-Engines and Propulsion Systems I' (151-0251-00L). The content of that lecture is assumed known.
Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and combustion is required.
It is beneficial to have attended the course 'Combustion and Reactive Processes in Energy and Materials Technology' (151-0293-00L).
151-0262-00LDiagnostics in Experimental Combustion ResearchW4 credits3GK. Herrmann, K. Boulouchos, B. Schneider
AbstractThe course is an introduction with regard to different measurement techniques and diagnostical methods. After a first part of measurement technique fundamentals, the acquisition of important key parameter by sensors will be presented. The second major part of the course deals with non-intrusive optical (laser-)measurement techniques.
ObjectiveOverview about measurement techniques in general and specific optical methods used in experimental combustion research.
ContentPart I – fundamentals: experiment, measuring chain, signal- and data acquisition, processing and analysis.
Part II – measurement technique: principles (capacitive, inductive, magnetic, et al.), acquisition of different key parameter (velocity, force, pressure, temperature, tension, et al.) with probes and sensors.
Part III – optical measurement technique: fundamentals optics, sensors (CCD, CMOS, photodiode, et al.), optical techniques (scattered light, Shadow-imaging, Schlieren, et al.), in particular non-intrusive flow measurement (LDA/PDA, PIV), chemiluminescence & spectroscopic techniques (laser-induced fluorescence LIF; Raman, CARS, et al.), and other laser diagnostical methods (LII, Pyrometry, et al.).
Lecture notesHandout slides
Prerequisites / NoticeEnglish or German (based on request)
151-0280-00LAdvanced Techniques for the Risk Analysis of Technical Systems Information W4 credits2V + 1UG. Sansavini
AbstractThe course provides advanced tools for the risk/vulnerability analysis and engineering of complex technical systems and critical infrastructures. It covers application of modeling techniques and design management concepts for strengthening the performance and robustness of such systems, with reference to energy, communication and transportation systems.
ObjectiveStudents will be able to model complex technical systems and critical infrastructures including their dependencies and interdependencies. They will learn how to select and apply appropriate numerical techniques to quantify the technical risk and vulnerability in different contexts (Monte Carlo simulation, Markov chains, complex network theory). Students will be able to evaluate which method for quantification and propagation of the uncertainty of the vulnerability is more appropriate for various complex technical systems. At the end of the course, they will be able to propose design improvements and protection/mitigation strategies to reduce risks and vulnerabilities of these systems.
ContentModern technical systems and critical infrastructures are complex, highly integrated and interdependent. Examples of these are highly integrated energy supply, energy supply with high penetrations of renewable energy sources, communication, transport, and other physically networked critical infrastructures that provide vital social services. As a result, standard risk-assessment tools are insufficient in evaluating the levels of vulnerability, reliability, and risk.
This course offers suitable analytical models and computational methods to tackle this issue with scientific accuracy. Students will develop competencies which are typically requested for the formation of experts in reliability design, safety and protection of complex technical systems and critical infrastructures.
Specific topics include:
- Introduction to complex technical systems and critical infrastructures
- Basics of the Markov approach to system modeling for reliability and availability analysis
- Monte Carlo simulation for reliability and availability analysis
- Markov Chain Monte Carlo for applications to reliability and availability analysis
- Dependent, common cause and cascading failures
- Complex network theory for the vulnerability analysis of complex technical systems and critical infrastructures
- Basic concepts of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in support to the analysis of the reliability and risk of complex systems under incomplete knowledge of their behavior
Practical exercitations and computational problems will be carried out and solved both during classroom tutorials and as homework.
Lecture notesSlides and other materials will be available online
LiteratureThe class will be largely based on the books:
- "Computational Methods For Reliability And Risk Analysis" by E. Zio, World Scientific Publishing Company
- "Vulnerable Systems" by W. Kröger and E. Zio, Springer
- additional recommendations for text books will be covered in the class
Prerequisites / NoticeFundamentals of Probability
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