At the end of the course, students are expected to: • Understand and apply the principles of measurement science relevant to energetic and nuclear systems, including the experimental determination of temperature, pressure, heat flux, and electrical current in complex environments. • Describe and model the electrical and thermal behaviour of superconducting materials, particularly high-temperature superconducting tapes and cables, including multi-physics and multi-scale aspects. • Analyse thermo-fluid dynamic phenomena related to high heat flux removal in nuclear components under natural and forced convection regimes, with fluids such as water and liquid metals. • Develop and apply analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical tools (including CFD methods) for the modelling of thermal-hydraulic and electro-thermal systems. • Integrate theoretical knowledge, experimental observations, and modelling approaches in order to formulate and evaluate engineering solutions to complex problems. • Exercise autonomous judgement in the assessment of modelling assumptions, experimental uncertainties, and engineering design implications.

Knowledge of thermo-dynamics, single-phase thermal-fluid dynamics, advanced materials for nuclear applications, basic knowledge of operating principles of fission and fusion nuclear reactors. Basic knowledge of programming (in python and MATLAB) is welcome.

1. Fundamentals of Measurement Instruments and Signal Analysis (7.5 h lectures) • System dynamic models (zero, first and second order) and Fourier analysis • Digital acquisition systems • Analog and digital filters 2. Superconducting Systems – Theory and Laboratory (24 h lectures + 16 h laboratory) Theoretical block: • Superconducting tapes and cables; applications to nuclear fusion, high-energy physics and electric machines • Multi-physics modelling of superconducting tapes, wires and cables • Multi-scale modelling approaches • Thermal–electrical coupling in superconducting systems Laboratory: • Magneto-optical imaging (MOI) • DC performance measurement of HTS tapes and critical current determination • Measurement of thermal and electrical properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures 3. Advanced Heat Transfer – Theory and Laboratory (13 h lectures + 19.5 h laboratory) Theoretical block: • Mass, momentum and energy conservation laws • Laminar and turbulent convection • Turbulence promoters and extended surfaces • Flow and heat transfer through porous media • Natural circulation loops: modelling and stability analysis • Finite volume method and 3D conjugate heat transfer modelling using CFD software Laboratory: • Experimental hydraulic and thermal characterization of innovative heat sinks • Natural circulation loops • Heat transfer modelling using CFD software Students are expected to collect the outcomes of the laboratory activities in an engineering report, applying physical principles and modelling approaches in a rigorous and coherent manner, selecting appropriate assumptions and analytical or numerical methods. Particular emphasis is placed on critical interpretation of results, awareness of modelling limitations, and autonomous engineering judgement in evaluating alternative solutions. The activity also develops the ability to structure technical work clearly and to communicate complex engineering reasoning effectively.

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The course will be organized in room lectures and hands-on experimental and computational lab sessions.

Notes by the teachers.

Lecture notes;

Exam: Written test; Individual project; Computer-based written test in class using POLITO platform;

The final grade is based on two components: 1) Written exam (2 h), in classroom, using the student's own PCs: - Part 1 (up to 6/30 of the final grade): the student has to answer to 3 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and one open question, all related to the topics discussed in the lectures. - Parts 2 and 3 (up to 20/30 of the final grade): the student has to answer to 4 open questions covering the theoretical or laboratory content of Parts 2 (2 questions) and 3 (2 questions). Allowed material in the written exam: calculator, pen and a sheet of white paper. 2) Evaluation of the engineering reports following the laboratories (up to 4/30 of the final grade, 2/30 for each report): each student is evaluated on the 2 laboratory reports, to be submitted at least 1 week before the written exam (point 1). The assessment considers technical competence, methodological consistency, critical analysis, and clarity of presentation.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.