Institute for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

A view of the Main Building of the IIAM

The Institute for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (Alexandrian: Institut d'ingénierie aérospatiale et mécanique; Martino: Instituto de Ingeniería Aeroespacial y Mecánica, IIAM) is a research institute for aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie, and the nation's main center for applied aerospace research and development. It is officially part of the Department of Civil Works and Transportation. The institute employs over 800 researchers, including 50 postgraduates from the University of Cárdenas, making it one of the major research centers in the Máquina Science Park.

History

The IIAM was founded in 1730 AN under the National Infrastructure Plan as a spin-off from the Institute for Civil Engineering and Materials Science. It was created to give aerospace research and mechanical engineering, until then secondary focus areas of the IICCM, a dedicated center. The plan allocated over NAX€3.5 billion, which the IIAM used to build wind tunnels, propulsion labs, robotics workshops, and advanced manufacturing halls. Since then the institute has worked on national aerospace projects and on mechanical engineering research, including automation and advanced materials.

Research

The IIAM focuses on cross-disciplinary research in aerospace and mechanical engineering. Its work is organized into five core research areas:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Space Engineering
• Propulsion Systems
• Mechanical Systems
• Aerospace Materials Science

The IIAM also hosts a major aerospace training facility, with flight simulators and digital prototyping suites. It collaborates with public and private sector partners, including Javelin Industries, the Aldurian Motor Company, and the National Construction Corporation, through its Industrial Partnerships Division.

Major Projects over the years

• Proyecto Estrellas - design and launch of a new generation of ASANA satellites for observation, communications, and science. Completed in 1735 AN.
• Proyecto Alas de Águila - design and construction of a new generation of domestic airplane models. Completed in 1738 AN.
• Proyecto Titanio - collaboration with Javelin Industries to develop high-strength materials for aerospace applications. Ongoing as of 1744 AN.

Layout

The IIAM occupies a 10-hectare campus at the southern end of the Máquina Science Park, designed around a central main building. The campus has five main buildings.

1. The Main Building houses administrative offices, lecture halls, a specialized library, and an exhibition hall showcasing historical models, prototypes, and engineering achievements.
2. The Aerospace Engineering Building is dedicated to aircraft and spacecraft design, with wind tunnels, flight simulators, and avionics labs. It is home to the ASANA Space Design Center, which oversees satellite design and space mission simulations.
3. The Propulsion Building focuses on engine testing and development, including jet, rocket, and electric propulsion, with high-temperature test chambers and fuel research labs.
4. The Mechanical Systems Building houses robotics workshops, automation labs, and industrial machinery testing rigs, equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters.
5. The Materials Science Building specializes in aerospace materials research, including composite materials, metallurgy, and structural integrity testing.

Organization

The IIAM is overseen by a Director-General, appointed by the Federal Science & Research Council and the Department of Civil Works and Transportation. It is structured into five main research divisions, three service departments, and one executive office.

• Director-General
  • Chief Operating Officer
    • Department of Administration and Planning
    • Department of Facilities
    • Department of Public Affairs and Training
  • Deputy Director of Research and Science
    • Aeronautical Engineering Division
    • Space Engineering Division
    • Propulsion Systems Division
    • Mechanical Systems Division
    • Advanced Materials Division

The institute also operates three advisory boards composed of national and international experts:

1. Scientific Advisory Council
2. Applied Research and Innovation Council
3. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Standards Board

List of (Deputy) Directors

1. Aurelio Delgado (1730 AN-1742 AN)
2. Juliano Silva (1742 AN-Present)

Deputy Directors

1. Diego Sabbatinez (1730 AN-1736 AN)
2. Orlando Nuñez (1736 AN-1744 AN)
3. Carla Farías (1744 AN-Present)

See also

• Máquina Science Park
• Institute for Civil Engineering and Materials Science
• Aeronautics and Space Administration of Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Federal Science & Research Council