Pubblicazioni

DrATC: Dynamic routing Algorithm based on Trust Characteristics

2024

Cubit Innovation Labs, University of Malaga

Abstract

Authors: Davide Ferraris, Lorenzo Monti

Keywords: Trust, Network, Routing, IoT, Security, Dynamic Routing, BGP, OSPF

In this paper, we propose a dynamic routing algorithm that leverages various trust characteristics to determine the most trusted path in a network. Trust, a multifaceted concept, encompasses attributes such as direct and indirect experiences, transitivity, directionality, context-dependence, and more.

Our approach allows the routing protocol to selectively incorporate these characteristics to enhance the decision-making process. For instance, in scenarios prioritizing direct trust, nodes route packets based solely on direct interactions with their neighbors. In more complex scenarios, both direct and indirect trust are considered, utilizing recommendations from trusted nodes to establish trust with previously un-contacted nodes.

We also explore the use of alternative routes based on specific trust values, ensuring sensitive data is routed through the most trustworthy paths. By integrating these trust metrics, the proposed algorithm dynamically adapts to varying network conditions and requirements, improving the overall reliability and security of the data transmission.

Our experimental results demonstrate the algorithm's effectiveness in selecting trusted paths and highlight the importance of context and adaptability in trust-based routing. This work contributes to the field by providing a flexible and robust framework for incorporating trust into dynamic routing decisions, paving the way for more secure and reliable network communication.

Conference: The 20th International Workshop on Security and Trust Management (STM 2024)

Status: In press

The 20th International Workshop on Security and Trust Management (STM 2024)

DrATC+: A Divide et Impera Extension to Trust-Based Dynamic Routing

Davide Ferraris, Letizia Russo, Lorenzo Monti

2025

CUBIT S.c.ar.l., University of Malaga

Abstract

Trust is a critical yet often overlooked factor in network routing, especially in decentralized and dynamic environments such as IoT and ad-hoc networks. The DrATC algorithm addressed this gap by incorporating a comprehensive set of trust characteristics into dynamic routing decisions. In this paper, we propose DrATC+, an extension of the original model that applies the divide et impera (divide and conquer) principle to trust-based routing. DrATC+ enhances resilience and security by splitting messages into segments and routing them through multiple trusted paths, selected based on composite trust evaluations. We present the design and operational workflow of the algorithm, supported by evaluation scenarios. Our results demonstrate that DrATC+ can improve fault tolerance and mitigate the impact of malicious nodes adapting effectively to changing trust conditions. This work lays the foundation for more robust and adaptive trust-aware routing protocols in future networked systems.

Authors: Davide Ferraris, Letizia Russo, Lorenzo Monti

Conference/Journal: Security and Trust Management (STM 2025), Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 16137, Springer

Keywords: Trust, Network, Routing, IoT, Security

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-06155-3_7

Enhancing diffuser performance using transverse grooves to delay flow separation

Alessandro Mariotti, Amedeo Cesare Giovanni Bertini, Gianmarco Lunghi, Giovanni Lombardi, Marco Maganzi, Maurizio Boffadossi, Simone Fenili

2024

Cubit, Ferrari, Politecnico di Milano, Università di Pisa

Abstract

A flow-control method is applied to enhance the efficiency and flow homogeneity of three-dimensional diffusers used in open-jet wind tunnels. Suitably shaped grooves are introduced in the diffuser diverging walls. The grooves promote the relaxation of the non-slip condition along the streamlines bounding the small recirculation regions forming passively inside the grooves. That reduces momentum losses and results in a downstream boundary layer with higher momentum, which is more separation-resistant.

In this study, circular and square-section diffusers with different degrees of flow separation were examined. The grooves significantly enhanced performance in circular diffusers by reducing the extent of separation and promoting an axisymmetric and spatially uniform flow. However, negligible benefits were observed for square-section diffusers. In these cases, since flow separation originates from one of the four inclined edges of the diffuser, placing grooves along the diverging walls does not effectively reduce the separation extent. Nonetheless, the grooves become effective again in diffusers with rectangular cross sections of high aspect ratio.

Conference/Journal: Physics of Fluids 36(10), 105164 (October 2024)

DOI/Source: https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article-abstract/36/10/105164

Keywords: CFD, Computational fluid dynamics, Aerodynamics, Flow control, Boundary layer flow, Turbulent flows

Physics of Fluids

Building awareness and active citizen participation for water challenges

Anna Strzelecka, Monica Pianosi

2018

Cubit, De Montfort University

Abstract

The main goal of the project POWER (Political and sOcial awareness on Water EnviRonmental challenges) is to provide information about water issues to citizens, professionals and policy makers and enable knowledge sharing between them. Local Water Community Platforms have been developed. The Platforms are focused on four water related issues presented in four Key Demonstration Cities. The research presented in this paper is focused on the elicitation of user needs and an initial consultation of the designed Platforms.

Authors: Anna Strzelecka (Cubit), Monica Pianosi (De Montfort University)

Keywords: water management, citizen engagement, POWER project, governance, smart technologies

1st International WDSA / CCWI 2018 Joint Conference

Low-Cost Portable Reader for Frequency Domain Chipless Tags: Architecture and Experimental Results on Depolarizing Tags

Filippo Costa, Giuliano Manara, Luca Boggioni, Sergio Terranova, Simone Genovesi

2019

Cubit, Università di Pisa

Abstract

In this paper, a low-cost chipless reader for detecting depolarizing tags is described. The reader operates in the frequency band (2-2.5) GHz, and it is compact and integrated in a single board. The reader architecture and its transmitting and receiving antennas are presented.

Reader antennas comprise two orthogonally placed, E-shaped patches with a decoupling below -35 dB. The reader performance is evaluated on a four-bit tag formed by four obliquely placed dipoles on top of a metallic ground plane. The reader is based on a frequency domain approach, is integrated in a single board, and its cost for a volume of 1k pieces is around $120.

Conference/Journal: MDPI Electronics 8(1), 35 (January 2019)

DOI/Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/8/1/35

Keywords: Chipless RFID, Frequency domain, Low-cost reader, IoT

MDPI

Optimization of Sandblasting Gun

Emanuele Grasso, Giovanni Lombardi, Marco Maganzi

2021

CUBIT S.c.ar.l., NORBLAST S.r.l., University of Pisa

Abstract

The use of CFD and optimization cycles is becoming fundamental for saving time and reducing design costs in industrial applications where fluid dynamics plays a critical role. This work presents a CFD-based optimization methodology for sandblasting gun geometry, aimed at maximizing output velocity and media supply rate.

The optimization strategy employed a two-phase approach. First, a preliminary validation of the numerical method was performed against experimental tests on the reference configuration, achieving satisfying agreement. The optimization cycle was then executed considering only the air flow, with the best configurations subsequently verified through Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations including material injection.

The gun geometry was parameterized using 21 design variables. The optimization workflow integrated modeFRONTIER as the optimization platform, Matlab for workflow management, CATIA V5 for parametric CAD modeling, and StarCCM+ for CFD simulations. The dual objectives were to maximize both the output velocity and the mass flow rate of the media supply tube.

The optimization process explored 4,364 geometric configurations, of which 1,421 were valid and 1,274 showed improvement over the reference design. The three best configurations—optimized for highest output velocity, highest sand supply, and best compromise between both parameters—were validated through complete DEM simulations, confirming the effectiveness of the optimization approach.

Authors: E. Grasso, G. Lombardi, M. Maganzi

Conference/Journal: International CAE Conference 2021

Keywords: CFD, optimization, sandblasting, DEM, modeFRONTIER, StarCCM+

An Innovative Optimization Procedure for Supercavitating Foils

Catherine Ramirez, Giovanni Lombardi, Michele Farnesi, Romain Lanos

2021

Cubit, Syroco, Università di Pisa

Abstract

The Syroco Lab research and simulation team, under the leadership of Ph.D Catherine Ramirez Villalba and Ph.D Romain Lanos, is leveraging modeFRONTIER for automating simulation processes and optimizing the design of several critical components of the Syroco speedcraft. One of the most challenging aspects is to optimize the profile of the foil that anchors the speedcraft to water, and needs to work in both subcavitating and supercavitating regimes.

The major challenge in this high-performance foil design is the requirement for a hydrodynamics optimization procedure to obtain the desired performance and stability, while taking into account the feasibility of the components and controlling the computational costs. While hydrodynamic characteristics were evaluated using CFD software, the feasibility of the wing construction was evaluated with a Finite Elements Method analysis imposing custom forces from CFD results.

This procedure led to a well-defined and fast design space exploration obtaining a wing drag reduction of more than 25% with respect to a reference solution with an imposed target lift. The simulation and optimization process evaluated 4,063 designs, singling out 594 designs complying with constraints.

Conference/Journal: International CAE Conference and Exhibition, November 2021

DOI/Source: https://engineering.esteco.com/blog/modefrontier-design-fastest-speedcraft/

Keywords: Supercavitation, CFD optimization, Syroco, World Sailing Speed Record, modeFRONTIER

International CAE Conference, Vicenza (IT)

Sailboat Keel Optimization

Giovanni Lombardi, Marco Maganzi

2020

CUBIT S.c.ar.l., University of Pisa

Abstract

High-level sport serves as a powerful driver for research, particularly in the fields of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. This work presents a multi-level optimization methodology for sailboat keels, aimed at reducing hydrodynamic drag during racing conditions.

The optimization strategy consists of two complementary phases. In the first phase, a two-dimensional optimization defines the optimal fin section profile using Bezier curves parameterized with 8 design variables. This process employs modeFRONTIER as the optimization platform, Matlab for workflow management, and X-Foil for aerodynamic analysis. In the second phase, a three-dimensional optimization determines the complete fin-bulb system geometry through 21 design parameters with a constraint on bulb volume. Three-dimensional CFD simulations were performed using StarCCM+ on an HPC cluster with 1024 cores, while parametric CAD modeling was carried out in CATIA V5.

The objective function balances performance across different sailing points: F_obj = 0.4·Cd_downwind + 0.6·Cd_upwind, assigning greater weight to upwind conditions, which are typically more critical for overall racing performance.

Authors: G. Lombardi, M. Maganzi

Conference/Journal: International CAE Conference 2020

Keywords: CFD, optimization, sailboat, keel, hydrodynamics, modeFRONTIER

Active Aerodynamics to Increase the Features of a Motorcycle

Giovanni Lombardi, Marco Maganzi, Pasqualetto Elena

2020

Cubit, Università di Pisa

Abstract

ADAMo (Adaptive Digital Aerodynamics for Motorcycles) is a research project guided by Piaggio S.p.A and partially funded by the Toscana region. The objective was to increase the performance, safety and comfort of a motorcycle by using active aerodynamics devices.

The paper describes the aerodynamics development, which was essentially based on intensive CFD use (STAR CCM+ code), related to the choice of the active devices and their optimization. Grids with about 100 million cells were used for preliminary evaluations and final verifications; for analysis of aerodynamic devices and optimization, grids with about 40 million cells were used.

There is an increase in lateral force and in both roll and yawing moments, resulting in a gain in lateral stability. There is also a significant decrease in turbulence. The mean turbulence value decreased by about 30% compared to the reference configuration, while the maximum value decreased more than 40% (in the zone of the driver legs). CFD results were verified in a wind tunnel, with differences less than 5% on the global values.

Conference/Journal: Proceedings of 20. Internationales Stuttgarter Symposium, Springer Vieweg

DOI/Source: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-658-29943-9_14

Keywords: CFD, Motorcycle aerodynamics, Active devices, ADAMo, Piaggio

Springer Verlag ISBN 978-3-658-29942-2

Aerodynamic design and preliminary optimization of a commercial PrandtlPlane aircraft

Karim Abu Salem, Marco Carini, Marco Maganzi, Michael Méheut, Stylianos Kanellopulos, Vincenzo Binante, Vittorio Cipolla

2019

Cubit, Università di Pisa

Abstract

The paper presents the phases and achievements of aerodynamic design activities carried out on a box-wing aircraft called PrandtlPlane, proposed as a sustainable solution for meeting the demanding requirements of fast-growing air transport. The activities are included in the PARSIFAL project ("Prandtlplane ARchitecture for the Sustainable Improvement of Future AirpLanes"), funded by the European Union under the Horizon2020 Program.

Starting from the conceptual aerodynamic design of the PrandtlPlane architecture, the paper follows the development of the aerodynamic design, dealing with the preliminary definition of a reference configuration, whose performances have been evaluated with both low and high fidelity tools, and the optimization procedure for the improvement of cruise performance.

The PrandtlPlane is a box-wing aircraft based on Prandtl's studies on multiplane lifting systems. A box-wing designed according to the Prandtl "best wing system" minimizes the induced drag for given lift and span, and thus has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and noxious emissions.

Conference/Journal: EUCASS 2019 (European Conference for Aeronautics and Space Sciences), Madrid

DOI/Source: https://hal.science/hal-02904449

Keywords: Box-wing, PrandtlPlane, PARSIFAL, CFD, Aerodynamic optimization

8th European Conference for Aeronautics and Space Sciences (EUCASS), Madrid (ES)