Structural Dynamics, PhD in Aerospage Engineering

Sauro Liberatore

Sauro

*a Rue du General De Gaulle

Hegenheim, France, 68220

Tel. +41 (0-76-517-****

*****@****.***.***

Note: I will relocate in Boston, MA on Spring 2014. If needed, this data can be negotiated.

Summary

Strong background/experience in structural dynamics, dynamic of rotating machines and high

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frequency wave propagation.

Experience in the development of novel assessment methods for shaft train response to torsional

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excitation produced by new devices for power production and delivery connected to grid.

Design and realization of novel type of transducers using new materials such as piezoelectrics,

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Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), magnetostrictive and polymers (dielectric elastomers).

Background and experience of control system theory. Design of basic controllers (PID) for

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robotics.

Extensive experience in digital data processing, data filtering and data acquisition.

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Design of novel type of testing devices and testing procedures.

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Design and realization of devices for prostrate cancer biopsy for the MRI environment.

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Extensive experience in on full-scale aircraft and spacecraft hardware dynamic testing. .

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Good experience with FEM analysis using Ansys, Nastran/Patran and ADINA code in static,

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dynamic and random as well as thermal analyzes. Experience in CFD techniques and fluid-

structure interaction phenomenon.

Utilize software programs including:

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Rotordynamic software (in house developed)

Autocad and SolidWorks for designing

Matlab, Simulink, and LabView for data acquisition, filtering and processing

FEMLAB and ANSYS software for multi-physic modeling

Pspice software for circuitry theory and design

Analytical modeling of structures in dynamic response, continuum mechanical modeling and

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structure-sound interaction.

Experience

Baden, Switzerland

ALSTOM POWER

Principal Engineer/ New Product Development July 2009 to present

In this position, I am part of an international team recently formed for the development of novel

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tools/methodologies for rotordynamics. I have been involved in number of projects that deal with

innovative thinking in the field of rotordynamic with non-conventional machines for energy pro -

duction (next generation Generators or HVDC devices). In addition to some product support pro -

ject, I have been focusing on torsional vibration assessment of shaft due to novel problematics in

grid-generator interactions. Some of the project involves system identification of state-of-the-art

machines through measured data and/or application of control system techniques. In this position

I manage autonomously my project including estimate of costs and work packages with internal as

well external clients.

Part of my work is devolved in the implementation of encoder based torsional vibrations measure -

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ment which we are introducing in Alstom as standard measurement system.

Reference rotordynamic engineer for the small steam turbines business. In this capability I have re -

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vised and developed novel standards and procedures for this business since Alstom experience in

this field was lost a decade ago. I am in charge to exchange information/technical expertise with

providers of flexible couplings, geared system and generator.

I am in charge of the development of this novel piezoelectric based device for bending and torsion -

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al measurements which I invented and patented. This device is capable of detecting high frequency

waves which can be used for detection of machine rubbing and generally for health monitoring sys -

tem for rotating shafts.

Revision and re-establishment of Alstom internal regulations based on ISO standard.

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Attleboro, MA, USA

SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES

R&D Engineer/ New Product Development March 2007 –June 2009

Lead a design group of engineers and technicians in the development of a novel sensor for occu -

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pant classification in automotive industries. The sensor used piezoelectric actuator/sensors and it

was compliant to US airbag deployment regulation (FMVSS 208). I was also the inventor of the

patent for this sensor. The sensor uses the structural vibration responses of the seat structures in

the high frequency range (20 to 80 kHz) for passenger characterization. In additional to the tech -

nical responsibilities, in this position I was also responsible of the provider interaction and I was

part of the team in charge of exchanging information (mainly technical) with major car manufac -

turer such as Toyota, GM and Honda, with periodic updates and reviews of the project.

Invited technical troubleshooter (20% of my time) for the pressure sensors in his way to produc -

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tion since the project was in serious possibility of jeopardy due to fundamental production issues.

Needham, MA, USA

VERYST ENGINEERING

Consultant October 2006-February 2007

Development of a high pressure wave generator for high pressure vessels using piezoelectric

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actuators. For this device I filed a provisional patent. Development of power harvesting device

using combined magnetic and structural vibration properties.

Cambridge, MA, USA

METIS DESIGN CORPORATION

Research Scientist August 2005-May 2006

Development of an identification device with both piezoelectric and thermal sensors to be used in

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health monitoring techniques. Projects involved concept design based on both experimental testing

and detailed FEM analyses with multi-physic modeling for structure dynamic, fluid dynamic and

thermal field (Ansys & FEMLAB).

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Cambridge, MA, USA

Lead Scientist, Post doctoral associate February 2004 – August 2005

Developed and optimized polymer actuators (artificial muscles) with high level of strains (up to 200

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%). The project involved fundamental studies of the polymer film through material modeling.

Design and development of devices for prostrate cancer biopsy used in MRI environment with

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polymer based actuators.

This team was awarded with the NIAC 2003 and 2004 phase 1 and phase 2 (NASA Advanced

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Concepts). The proposed concept was the novel system for planetary explorations using small

jumping robots as extended possibility when compared to conventional rovers. The project

involved the development of the jumping mechanism actuator, the types of sensors and the “flock”

coordination methodology. Responsibilities included supervising four doctoral students, writing

and managing grants, and directing research.

Collaboration with external agencies for the following projects:

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- Harvard Medical School: Design and development of a medical device for cancer biopsy in the

MRI

-Deployable Lightweight Structure Laboratory, Cambridge University, UK: Development of dual

stage actuator using bi-stable devices.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES –

Active Material Laboratory Los Angeles, CA, USA

Post doctoral associate January 2003 – January 2004

Developed a fault detection filter used for structural health monitoring with high frequency

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structural response (50 kHz).

Designed and conducted novel procedures for the frequency response measurements and system

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identification of MEMS valves.

Collaborated in the research and development of a MEMS-based power harvesting device using

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vibro-impacting cantilever beam with piezoelectric material.

Designed test procedures and conducted testing on novel type of transducers.

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Supervised and trained one master student working on this project.

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Graduate Student September 1999 - December 2002

Designed a health monitoring method for structures using dynamic response analysis.

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Collaborated with colleagues on researching smart materials such as Piezoelectrics, Shape Memory

Alloys (SMA) and magnetostrictive composites (Terfenol-D). Designed novel test procedures and

created testing prototypes, novel transducers and test setup.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYON Santa Clarita, CA, USA

Adjunct Instructor January 2003 – December 2003

Two semester teaching of the course for Circuit Measurement Laboratory.

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SELF-EMPLOYMENT

Consultant October 2002- April 2003

Feasibility study and device design for patent application in drug recognition by using

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spectroscopic techniques and near infrared sensors.

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA, AEROACOUSTIC AND STRUCTURAL

DYNAMIC LABORATORY

Research engineer October 1996 - July 1999

Conducted experimental modal analysis and modal testing of spacecraft structures and full-scale

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aeronautical structures. Responsibilities included:

Acquiring and analyzing data from acoustic tests for space hardware in reverberant acoustic

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chamber.

Conducting shaker based shock response tests using strain gages and accelerometer sensors.

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Collaborating with clients including: Spar Aerospace, Canadian Space Agency, Orbital Sciences

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Corporation, Orenda and Rolls Royce Gas Turbine Engines.

Designed a feedback control system for buffeting reduction of F/A-18 fighter using piezoelectric

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actuators. Project involved FEM modal and random analysis of the fighter fin with NASTRAN

code.

Collaborated in the noise reduction of the de Havilland Dash-8 turboprop fuselage using

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piezoelectric actuators. Project involved FEM analysis and analytical modeling.

Selected journal publications

Liberatore S., Speyer J.L. and Chunliang H.A., “Fault detection filter applied to structural health

monitoring”, Automatica, v 42, n 7, July 2006, p 1199-209

S. Dubowsky, K. Iagnemma, S. Liberatore, D.M. Lambeth, J.S. Plante and P. J. Boston, “A Concept

Mission: Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface and Subsurface Exploration,” Proceedings of the

2005 Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF), Albuquerque, NM, February

2005.

Liberatore S. and Carman G. P., "Power Spectral Density Analysis for damage identification and

location Journal of Sound and Vibration, v 274, n 3-5, Jul 22, 2004, p 761-776.

Nitzsche F., Liberatore S. and Zimcik D., "Theoretical and Experimental Investigations on an Active

Control System for Vertical Fin Buffeting Alleviation using Strain Actuation," The Aeronautical

Journal, Vol. 105, No. 1047, 2001, pp. 277-285.

Thomas D. Krueger, Sauro Liberatore, Eric Knopf, Alastair Clark, “Consideration of complex support

structure dynamics in rotordynamic assessments” Preceeding of the ASME Turbo Expo 2013, GT2013

June 3-7, 2013, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Awards

George Taylor Award for best paper in material and structure in the United Kingdom for the year 2001

Outstanding Master of Science student in Mechanic and Aerospace Engineering, UCLA, 2001

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, CA

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering Major Field: Structures and Dynamics December, 2002

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, CA

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Major Field: Structures and DynamicsSeptember, 2001

UNIVERSITY OF ROME, LA SAPIENZA Rome, Italy

Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Major Field: Aeroelasticity April, 1995

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