Supporting industry and research

As rocket science and propulsion is one of the widest engineering topics, the SPLab merges several heterogeneous competences. Here you can find a list: think about the possibilities.

For propulsion

Rocket motors and engines

  • Development studies, diagnostics, basic research, and experimental testing  for in-space and air-breathing propulsion. 
  • Pollution and environmental impact

High energy density materials

  • Solid propellant and solid fuel development and testing (new compositions, pollution studies, etc…).
  • Characterization of burning rate and combustion behavior.
  • Combustion, ignition, safety of fine powders (metallic and non-metallic)
  • Ageing of materials and powders (metallic and non-metallic)
  • Extinction and pressure deflagration limits of energetic materials (safety, throttling)

For material R&D

Powder characterization

  • Microscopy (optical / SEM)
  • Powder shape analysis with proprietary methodology
  • Powder size distribution with laser diffraction 

Powder coating

  • Particle coating functionalization
  • Nanomaterial-based complexes

Analysis

  • Thermal analysis (DSC/DTA/TGA) in different atmospheres till 1600 °C
  • Mechanical characterization (cooperation with AMALA-POLIMI Laboratory)
  • Ageing (different temperatures and relative humidity)

For diagnostics

Imaging

  • High-speed and high-resolution imaging
  • Thermal imaging
  • 2D X-ray visualizations and 3D X-ray computed tomography (XCT) with micrometric resolution (2 micron, collaboration with AMALA Laboratory)

Monitoring

  • Micrometric temperature sensors for fast thermal response (micro-thermocouples) 
  • Ablation sensors with proprietary technique