The Institute manages basic and applied research in different technologies used in Earth Moving Machinery (MMT). The research ranges are: the analysis of power transmission by fluid, unstructured robotics and embedded electronics, numerical and experimental structural analysis of machines and components, vibration and noise as physical agents, characterization of the active control of noise and vibration, studies in soil mechanics and, last but not least, prenormative and normative studies on safety of machinery.
Imamoter research staff use the most advanced techniques in Fluid Power Design to get the best performance out of components and systems. Computational Fluid Dynamics is used in order to obtain a detailed description of the internal flows in components. Non-linear dynamics modeling, through software such as MSC-Easy5 AMESim, is applied to describe the interactions at the system level and for determining the most appropriate control strategies. The use of this software can be integrated with FEM and CFD programs to match all research needs.
The electronics team can design and develop embedded control systems, and it follows each step, from testing to setting up (both bench and field). Control software, both dedicated to firmware architecture with standard OS, are implemented. The programming of embedded software in C follows the MISRA-C: 2004 to ensure reliability in safety-critical systems. The development of PC applications (both stand-alone and supervising embedded systems) using the standard visual environment .NET, is geared to combine versatility and ease of use.
The IMAMOTER Institute promotes and conducts research on sustainable agriculture aimed at achieving:
The IMAMOTER Institute promotes and conducts research on performance, safety and usability aimed at achieving: Design, engineering and prototyping of off-road vehicles and machines. Laboratory and field testing of off-road vehicles and agricultural machines, based on customer's specifications and requirements. Tractors type approval in accordance with European Directive 2003/37/CE.
Qualitative research: focus groups, field observations, thinking aloud and semi-structured interviews. User-centred- design methodology (ISO 13407).
Support to manufacturers for mandatory and voluntary tests for:
Accredited laboratory for OECD/OCSE official testing of:
Set up of new machining process, analysis of the influence of temperature and load on wear phenomena, mechanical, microstructural and structural analysis of massive materials and coatings, preparation of polymers and polymer matrix composites.
The research activities are mainly focused on the following topics:
IMAMOTER can also provide other research services, consultancy and assistance on request.