Instructors: Luca Valentini, Ph. D., Associate Professor (6 hours), Prof. Dr. Antonella D'Alessandro, Ph.D., Assistant Professor (6 hours), Dr. Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho (18 hours), University of Perugia
(brochure)
This course is a broad introduction to the principles of functioning of functional nanomaterials, with their operation in a variety of sensor architectures and modalities, including pressure, strain, thermal, optical and bioelectric. Illustrative applications in practical engineering problems, such as monitoring civil engineering structural components using smart concretes and smart bricks will be discussed. Moreover, fundamentals of 3d printing of composited, including the characterization of the material, are introduced. Students are required to complete laboratory tests, or simulations, and a final project consists on the proposal of a smart monitoring network for a civil engineering problem using smart materials.
Course schedule (2,5 CFU):
22 September 2025 – Aula Magna
14:30-16:30 Prof. Luca Valentini Self Monitoring Nanomaterials: Principles of Functioning
16:30-18:30 Prof. Antonella D’Alessandro: Piezoresistive materials and cement composites
23 September 2025 – Auletta
14:30-16:30 Prof. Antonella D’Alessandro: Self-sensing construction materials for structural engineering applications
16:30-18:30 Dr. Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho.
Theoretical component (2 hours):
- Study of passive elements and impedance concept (resistors, capacitors, inductors, Warburg elements, constant phase elements (CPEs)).
- Introduction to equivalent circuit models for AC/DC behavior of materials.
29 September 2025 – Auletta
14:30-16:30 Prof. Luca Valentini Bioinspired solutions for self-sensing materials
16:30-18:30 Prof. Antonella D’Alessandro: Innovative cementitious smart composites and elements
30 September 2025 – Auletta
14:30-18:30 Dr. Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho.
Theoretical component (2 hours):
- Electronic instrumentation in EIS.
- Focus on quasi-static approximation (frequencies ≤ 1 MHz).
Computational component (2 hours):
- Python basics: functions, classes, and libraries (numpy, matplotlib, pandas, scipy).
- Use of Google Colab for developing scripts related to circuit simulations and data visualization.
6 October 2025 – Aula SA
14:30-16:30 Prof. Luca Valentini
16:30-18:30 Dr. Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho.
Practical component (2 hours):
- Calibration of a potientostat/galvanostat using the dummy cell.
- Biphasic approach for characterization of electrical resistance and capacitance.
7 October 2025 – Aula 16
14:30-18:30 Dr. Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho.
Practical component (4 hours):
- Fabrication of smart construction materials such as clay-based composites (smart bricks).
13 October 2025 – Auletta
14:30-18:30 Dr. Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho.
Practical component (4 hours):
- Electromechanical tests under compressive loading.
14 October 2025 – Auletta
14:30-18:30 Dr. Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho.
Computational component (2 hours):
- Python implementation of class-based tools to process mechanical and electrical data.
- Integration of physical, electrical, and mechanical datasets for interpretation and modeling.
Virtual room [link]
Curricula:
Daniel Andrés Triana Camacho currently is working as a researcher in electronic design and piezoelectric cement-based composites at Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy (2023–present). Recognized with multiple awards, including Doctoral Thesis Laureate (2023), the Bicentennial Fellowship from the Colombian Ministry of Science (2020–2023), and two “Sun Clock” awards for best professor (2017, 2021). He is an electronic engineer with a MSc and PhD in Physics, specializing in experimental physics and electronic design. Over twelve years of experience as a university professor, teaching basic sciences (nanoscience, modern physics, waves, electromagnetism, mechanics) and electronics-related courses. Skilled in physicochemical characterization techniques, modeling and simulation, Python programming, electrochemical methods, and the development of cement-based piezoelectric composites.