In 2016, Marco Evangelos Biancolini and Pier Paolo Valentini organised the “𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥” exhibition within The Art of The Brick in Rome. This initiative demonstrated how engineering can be as creative and stimulating as building with LEGO® bricks. With the support of industrial partners such as HSL srl, Pipistrel Aircraft, and 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐂𝐑𝐆, six innovative projects were presented, showcasing the potential of simulation, 3D printing, and optimization. Among these, Pipistrel exhibited two particularly remarkable 3D-printed prototypes: the optimized wing of the Taurus glider and the propeller of the Alpha Electro. These examples clearly demonstrated the significant improvements achieved before and after optimization.

The exhibition explored multiple fields of engineering:

✔︎ Analysis of the mechanics of LEGO® bricks through digital modeling and finite element analysis (FEA), highlighting how the patented shrink-fit mechanism works.

✔︎ Presentation of a KZ go-kart by CRG, featuring a sectioned engine and CFD simulations to illustrate performance optimization.

✔︎ A wind tunnel model of a Formula 1 front-end, demonstrating the synergy between numerical modeling and physical testing for aerodynamic performance enhancement.

✔︎ Application of advanced manufacturing technologies through the Fortissimo experiment, where mesh morphing and adjoint CFD reduced pressure losses by 33% in complex internal flow components.

✔︎ Contribution to the European project 𝐑𝐁𝐅𝟒𝐀𝐄𝐑𝐎, showcasing the crucial role of shape optimization in improving the aerodynamics of aircraft structures and propulsion systems.

✔︎ Presentation of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) vision for 3D printing in lunar base construction, featuring a prototype brick made from synthetic lunar dust in collaboration with Foster + Partners.

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 was more than just an exhibition—it was a statement on the transformative role of engineering, simulation, and optimization in shaping the future. Today rbfLAB continues to push the boundaries of scientific and technological innovation.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

🔗 https://lnkd.in/deCVRPx2

🔗 https://lnkd.in/d4967f63