A new thesis by Danilo Lampasona, conducted at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in collaboration with Piaggio and RBF Morph, is now available on our website. The title is:

Structural Optimization of a Four-Stroke Engine Connecting Rod: from High-Fidelity FEM Simulation to Artificial Intelligence

The work focuses on the structural optimization of a connecting rod for a single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine. After performing and validating kinematic and dynamic analyses, the most critical loading condition was identified through Finite Element Method simulations. Shape optimization was carried out using mesh morphing with RBF Morph™, based on seven geometric parameters defining the design space. Two optimization campaigns were completed, targeting stress reduction and mass minimization respectively. A static Reduced Order Model was also developed and validated, showing strong predictive capabilities within the defined parametric range.

The full thesis and presentation in English are available on our website.