William Bettini

William Bettini is a Teacher-Researcher at CESI Aix-en-Provence Campus, affiliated with the Engineering and Digital Tools Research team and LINEACT (Laboratoire d'Innovation Numérique pour les Entreprises et les Apprentissages au service de la Compétitivité des Territoires). He serves as an educator across multiple engineering disciplines at the Integrated Preparatory Cycle and engineering cycles, with previous experience as Educational Manager for the Integrated Preparatory Class (2020-2021).

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering from Université de Montpellier (2014-2018) with thesis on "Solutions innovantes pour des structures spatiales déployables"
• Master's in Mechanical Physics and Engineering, Aeronautics and Space specialization from Aix-Marseille Université (2011-2012)
• Bachelor's in Mathematics and Computer Science from Aix Marseille Université (2009-2010)

Bettini's research centers on innovative structural solutions for aerospace applications, particularly focusing on deployable space structures that utilize stored elastic energy in flexible joints for automatic deployment. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical engineering applications, emphasizing lightweight, compact configurations suitable for space missions. His expertise spans structural mechanics, materials science, finite element modeling, and vibration analysis, with particular emphasis on space antenna systems and deployable structures.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on developing novel deployable antenna concepts, moving from scissor-based mechanisms to more efficient polygonal ring structures with integrated cable domes. This research trajectory shows increasing sophistication in creating self-deployable systems with fewer mechanical connections, better tension distribution, and improved compactness for space applications.

Bettini actively contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for international conferences and journals including "Materials science and mechanical engineering" (IWMSME 2020), "Nonlinear dynamics," and "Aerospace Science and Technology."

His teaching portfolio is extensive, covering Mechanics, Civil Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science across various engineering cycles. He has developed innovative teaching methodologies in Mechanics and Civil Engineering, particularly in Resistance of Materials (RDM), and has taught courses ranging from fundamental mathematics to advanced structural analysis and computational methods.

Bettini's research is conducted within collaborative frameworks, particularly with the LMGC (Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil) at Université de Montpellier and in partnership with space agencies like CNES. His work on deployable structures represents a significant contribution to the field of lightweight, self-deploying aerospace structures that can be applied to satellite antennas, solar sails, and deorbiting systems.