Lorella Ceschini

CURRENT POSITION

Full Professor of Metallurgy.

Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna (Italy). Her research focuses on the microstructure-process-properties relationship in metallic materials, with particular emphasis on fatigue and tribological behavior. Significant collaborations with leading companies in the automotive sector have driven hear research toward lightweight alloy development, particularly aluminum alloys and advanced steels, processed through casting, plastic deformation, and additive manufacturing.

Further details on her research activities can be found in the "Research” section of this CV and website, as well as in the publications linked to ORCID ID 0000-0003-2358-1306 and listed in the ‘Publications’ Section of this website.

Academic and Professional Background

· 1988 – MSc (5-year Laurea) in Nuclear Engineering, cum laude (100/100), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna

· 1988 – National Professional Qualification

· 1992 – Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, University of Padua

· 1992–2005 – Assistant Professor of Metallurgy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bologna

· 2005–2016 – Associate Professor of Metallurgy, Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna

· Since 2016 – Full Professor of Metallurgy, Dept. of Industrial Engineering (DIN), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• National Coordinator of SPOKE 11 – Innovative Materials and Lightweighting, within the National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST), funded under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – since 2022.
• Delegate for Students, Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna –since 2024.
• Academic Advisor for University–Industry Relations and member of the Quality Assurance Management Committee for the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programmes in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bologna
• Member of the Strategic Planning Committee, Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna – since 2024
• Member of the Academic Board of the PhD Programme in Mechanics and Advanced Engineering Sciences (DIMSAI), University of Bologna – since 2010. Previously, 2005–2009, member of the Academic Board of the PhD Programme in Mechanical and Management Engineering, Marche Polytechnic University
• Member of the Management Board, Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research on Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI-MAM), University of Bologna, 2019-2024
• Member of the National Scientific Qualification Committee (ASN), 2018–2020
• Member of the University Thematic Group (GTA) on "Raw Materials", University of Bologna – 2017–2021
• Member of the Research Committee at DICAM Dept. (2016-2020)
• Member of the University Thematic Group (GTA) on "Raw Materials", University of Bologna – 2017–2021.
• Delegate for Research at DIN Dept. (2015-2016).
• Delegate for International Relations at DIN Dept. (2012-15).
• Member of the Department Executive Board, DIN, University of Bologna, 2015–2016

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

Lorella has been teaching in engineering degree programmes at the University of Bologna since 1995, with a specific focus on Metallurgy.
She is currently responsible for the following courses at University of Bologna:

· Mechanical Metallurgy, Master's Degree Programmes in Mechanical; Energy and Chemical Engineering

· Metallic Biomaterials – Master's Degree Programmes in Mechanical Engineering

· Metallurgy – Bachelor's Degree Programmes in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering

Further details can be found in the "Teaching" section of this website.

Non-institutional teaching/invited lectures and seminars

• 2024–25: HPE Group Course, Mekané School – Metallurgy
• 2022: Course on Industrial Tribology organized by AIM (Milan) – Lecture on Tribological Behavior of Metallic Materials for Industrial Applications
• 2020: Metallurgy I course at GD (Bologna), organized by the University of Bologna
• 2019: Metallurgy I course at GD (Bologna), organized by the University of Bologna
• 2018: Course on Industrial Tribology organized by AIM (Milan) – Lecture on Tribological Behavior of Metallic Materials for Industrial Applications
• 2017. Lecture on “Steels and heat treatments”, Fondazione Aldini Valeriani (Bologna).
• 2016. Lecture Series on “Damage mechanisms of surfaces: friction and wear”, “Aluminium alloys”, Assomeccanica Bologna.
• 2008-15. Lecture Series on Materials for Offshore Applications", Master in "Design of Oil & Gas plants", Faculty of Engineering, University of Bologna.
• 2013. Lecture on “Innovative metals and treatments for structural lightweighting” (Unindustria, Bologna)
• 2012. Lecture on "The role of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys" at Ferrari SpA, Maranello (Mo), March 2012.
• 2012. Lecture on " Lightweight design with aluminum". Technologies for Innovation fair - MECSPE (Parma, October 15, 2012).
• 2012. Lecture on "Metallic materials with improved performance”. Workshop: Innovation in the mechanical engineering field: New Materials and New Solutions, organized by Unindustria Bologna (Bologna, June 7, 2012),
• 2011. Lecture on "Innovation in Manufacturing: materials with increased performance”. Conference on: "Technological scenarios for competitiveness: Emilia-Romagna in the information economy", organized by Aster in collaboration with the Emilia Romagna region, CNR (Bologna 04/04/2011),
• 2011. Lecture on "Integrated design of an aluminium alloy cylinder head: the role of modeling ". Conference on "Modeling of metallic materials and transformation processes: from simulation to production" (AIM-Milan), (Bologna 05/07/2011),
• 2009. Lecture on "The role of microstructure on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys for engine components." Workshop: "Ducati and the University of Bologna: a race to the future" (Faculty of Engineering, Bologna).
• 2008-2010. Lecture Series on metallurgy within the training project "Development of an innovative process for the production of Mg and Al die-cast components, through the integration of vacuum and low pressure casting technologies with the use of solidification process simulation", in collaboration with Rifimpress Ltd., Castel San Pietro (BO).
• 2007-2010. Lecture Series on "Study and design of mechanical aluminum alloy components with high performance and reliability, subjected to thermomechanical fatigue for engine applications", within the FAR Training Project (Fund for Industrial Research Incentives) in collaboration with Ferrari SpA Maranello (Modena).
• 2006. Lecture on "Tribology: friction and wear phenomena" at the Technogym (Gambettola, FC).
• 2006. Lecture on "Metallurgical aspects of the FSW of aluminum alloys and metal matrix composites". Workshop: "Laser and Friction Stir Welding" (AIM-Milan).
• 2005. Lecture on "Metallurgical and mechanical aspects of superplastic deformation". Workshop: "Metallurgical and technological aspects of plastic deformation" (AIM-Milan).
• 2005. Lecture on "Wear". "Tribology Course" (AIM, Milan).
• 2003. Lecture on "Aluminum based metal matrix composites”. Workshop: "Structural design with aluminum" (AIM-Milan).
• 2002. Lecture on "Analysis of tribological systems: Case Hystories”. Workshop "Wear and Friction: Characterization Techniques and Methods of Testing" (AIM-Milan).
• 2002. Lecture on "Mechanisms of wear: adhesion, abrasion, tribo-oxidation and surface fatigue”. Workshop "Tribology Course " (AIM-Milan).
• 2001. Lecture on "Superplasticity of metal alloys". Summer School of Metallurgy (University of Cassino).
• 2001. Lecture on "Wear of mechanical components: causes and solutions". Workshop "Wear and Lubrication" (AIM-Milan), (Salsomaggiore).
• 1997. Lectures on "General Introduction to tribology and friction" and "Solid lubricants". Workshop "Applied Tribology in Industrial Machines and Components", (KTEMA, for Industrial Association of Bologna).
• 1996/97. Lecture Series on "Development and characterization of metal matrix composites for the aerospace industry”. Training Project on Advanced Materials for the Composites Research Consortium (CRC), Rome.

TUTOR OF MASTERS AND PhD THESIS

· Supervisor of over 230 Master's and Bachelor's theses in the Mechanical, Chemical, and Energy Engineering degree programmes at the University of Bologna.

· Academic tutor for more than 200 curricular internships or thesis-related placements.

· Supervisor of over 20 research fellowships

· Supervisor of 15 PhD theses in the field of Metallurgy, including 4 currently ongoing. Recent examples include:

- High-strength steels manufactured via Laser Powder Bed Fusion: effect of post-process heat treatments and surface finishing on microstructure and mechanical properties (Dr. Mattia Zanni)

- Optimization of heat treatment and surface modification of the AlSi10Mg alloy produced by Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion (Dr. Gianluca di Egidio)

- Additive manufacturing of metal components: correlation between production process, microstructure and mechanical properties (Dr. Lavinia Tonelli)

- Optimization of materials and treatments for critical components in high-performance motorcycles (Dr. Simone Messieri)

- Innovative Al alloys for high-performance automotive pistons: enhancement of specific strength at high temperature and resistance to knock damage (Dr. Eleonora Balducci)

- Development and microstructural/mechanical characterization of innovative magnesium alloys (Dr. Valerio

Angelini)

RESEARCH TOPICS

Her scientific activity focuses on the following main research areas:

· Steels and cast irons: optimization of processing parameters—particularly heat treatments—to enhance mechanical properties in relation to specific service conditions.

· Lightweight alloys (aluminium, magnesium, and titanium) and related composites: investigation of process–microstructure–property relationships, heat treatment optimization, and degradation mechanisms.

· Fatigue behaviour of metallic materials.

· Tribological performance of metallic materials.

· Metallurgical aspects of additive manufacturing of metallic components, including Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).

She is the author of over 250 scientific publications, primarily in peer-reviewed international journals.

· ORCID ID: 0000-0003-2358-1306

· WOS Researcher ID: R-4024-2016

· Scopus Author ID: 7004218595 – H-index: 39

RESEARCH PROJECT AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AS PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Competitively Funded Projects

· 2022–2025: National Coordinator of SPOKE 11 – Innovative Materials and Lightweighting within the Italian National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST), funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The project involves 8 universities (University of Bologna, Brescia, Padua, Pisa, Rome La Sapienza, Politecnico di Bari, Politecnico di Torino, and Marche Polytechnic), the CNR, and 5 industrial partners (Eni Versalis, Ferrari, Leonardo, Pirelli, Stellantis-CRF).

PRIN/COFIN – Research Projects of National Relevance

· 2022: Principal Investigator – "New biocompatible, low stiffness, BETa-Ti ankle Endoprostheses manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion with functionally graded lattice (FGL) structure – BETTER".

· 2008: Research Unit Leader – “Low-temperature carburizing of austenitic stainless steels: study of corrosion and wear resistance” within the national project coordinated by Prof. Roberto Montanari (University of Rome Tor Vergata).

· 2004: Research Unit Leader – “Microstructural refinement and superplastic characterization of rolled magnesium alloys” within the national project coordinated by Prof. Enrico Evangelista (University of Ancona).

· 2002: Research Unit Leader – “Superplastic behaviour of novel nanocrystalline aluminium alloys” in the national project “Nanocrystalline aluminium alloys for structural joint applications”, coordinated by Prof. Enrico Evangelista (University of Ancona).

· 1999: Research Unit Leader – “Pre-treatments for inducing superplasticity in aluminium matrix composites and subsequent mechanical and microstructural characterization”, within the national project coordinated by Prof. Enrico Evangelista (University of Ancona).

FAR – Fund for Facilitating Industrial Research

· 2007–2010: Scientific Lead for the University of Bologna in the project “Design and development of high-performance, fatigue-resistant aluminium components for engine applications”, in collaboration with Ferrari SpA. Project leader: Eng. Gianluca Pivetti (Ferrari SpA).

FIRB – Fund for Investments in Basic Research

· 2008–2011: Scientific Coordinator for the SMETEC Department in the FIRB project RPBIP068WAA: “Development of low-consumption, low-environmental-impact engines for the automotive and motorcycle industry”, in collaboration with Ducati. National Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Antonio Strozzi (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia).

Industria 2015 – Italian Ministry of Economic Development

· 2008–2010: Scientific Coordinator for the SMETEC Department in the "TIXOFORM" project (Application Code EE01_00056), funded by the Industria 2015 – Energy Efficiency Call. The project aimed at developing a new energy-saving thixotropic forming process for bronze alloys with industrial scalability. Lead partner: IMR SpA, Romans d'Isonzo (Gorizia).

POR FESR Emilia-Romagna – Action 1.1.2 "Product or Service Innovation and Diversification for SMEs" (DGR 1305/2016)

· 2017: Scientific Coordinator for CIRI MAM in the project with Pasello Trattamenti Termici Srl (Bologna): “Enhanced performance of metals (steels and light alloys) induced by cryogenic treatments”.

European Project Proposal (as Coordinator)

· Submitted the IN-HANCE project (Advanced Industrial Processing of High-strength Aluminium Matrix Nanocomposites) under the H2020-NMP-PILOTS-2014 call (Proposal No. 646276), as Person in Charge of the Proposal. The consortium included 17 partners, such as Volkswagen, SAPA, Aluinvent, Technische Universität Chemnitz, and Jönköping University.

Participation in European Projects

· EIT RawMaterials – KAVA 6 (2020): Participant in the “NEWMAN – Nickel-frEe poWders for high perforMAnce compoNents” upscaling project (2020–2021).

PARTICIPATION IN COMPETITIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS

Strategic Project of the Bologna University: "Integrated design methods and innovative processes for the optimisation of consumables in high-definition plasma arc cutting of metals". Scientific project leader: Prof. Vittorio Colombo. (2006-2008)

Regional programme for the Industrial Research, the Innovation and Technological Transfer (PRIITT), supported by Emilia Romagna region, MATMEC laboratory (Materials and process for mechanical design): "Industrial Tribology: metals, ceramics and composites". "Fatigue behavior of metallic materials". Scientific project leaders: Prof. Sergio Curioni and Prof. Giuseppe Palombarini (2005-2008)-(2009-2010).

SCIENTIFIC LEADER OF INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH PROJECTS

• 2024: Scientific Coordinator for DIN – University of Bologna, in the research project with Automobili Lamborghini, titled: "Evaluation of the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of aluminium alloy castings for engine components."
• 2022: Scientific Coordinator for DIN – University of Bologna, in the research project with Automobili Lamborghini, titled: "Development and optimization of DLC coatings and aluminium alloy castings for engine components."
• 2021. Research project: “Static and fatigue characterization of innovative steels produced with both conventional and additive manufacturing processes”, between DIN - University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA.
• 2020. Research project: “Optimization of Selective Laser Melting and heat treatment of AlSi10Mg alloy: mechanical and microstructural characterization” between DIN -University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA.
• 2020. Research project: Performance optimization of steels for plastic molding” between CIRI-MAM - University of Bologna and SACMI
• 2019. Research project: "Mechanical, microstructural and fractographic characterization of samples extracted from steel casting", between CIRI-MAM - University of Bologna and ITALTRACTOR ITM SpA (Bologna).
• 2018. Research project: "Fatigue characterization of magnesium alloys: shoot peening effect". between DICAM - University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA.
• 2018. Research project: "Overaing curves of aluminum alloys for pistons" between CIRI-MAM - University of Bologna and Ferrari.
• 2018. Research project: "Effects of copper on the static and fatigue properties of Al-Si alloys for engine heads" between DICAM - University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA.
• 2017. Research project: “Characterization of tool steels and heat treatment optimization to improve mechanical behavior and corrosion resistance”, between University of Bologna and SACMI Imola.
• 2017. Research project: “High temperature axial fatigue tests on aluminium alloys” between University of Bologna and Scania (Svezia).
• 2016. Research project: “Ottimizzazione del processo di deformazione plastic e trattamento termico di viti ad alta resistenza in titanio grado 5 per impiego automotive e aerospace”. between University of Bologna and VIMI FASTENERS SpA (RE).
• 2016. Research project: “Caratterizzazione a fatica di una lega di magnesio e di acciai nitrurati”, between University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA.
• 2016. Research project: “Acciai innovativi: caratterizzazione a fatica su provini con e senza intaglio. Prove tribologiche per attrito di primo distacco”, between University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA.
• 2016. Research project: “High temperature axial fatigue tests on innovative aluminium alloys”, between University of Bologna and Jönköping University (Jönköping Svezia).
• 2016. Research project: “Caratterizzazione a trazione di laminati a spessore sottile”, between University of Bologna and Pelliconi & C SpA.
• 2015. Research project: “Failure analysis su componenti sottocarro dopo prove a banco”, between University of Bologna and Italtractor ITM SpA (Crespellano, BO).
• 2015. Research project: “Caratterizzazione a fatica e tribologica di materiali metallici per impieghi motoristici”, between University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA.
• 2015. Research project: “Ricerca e sviluppo per innovazioni tecnologiche con tecniche laser al fine di eliminare prodotti chimici per eseguire fosfatazione su corpi in ghisa”, between University of Bologna and OGNIBENE POWER (Reggio Emilia).
• 2015. Research project: “Prove di trazione su leghe di alluminio e incollaggi misti leghe di alluminio – compositi a matrice polimerica e prove di adesione mediante scratch-test di rivestimenti su sostrati metallici”, between University of Bologna and Ducati SpA.
• 2014. Research project: “Ricerca e sviluppo per innovazioni tecnologiche con tecniche laser al fine di eliminare prodotti chimici per eseguire fosfatazione su corpi in ghisa ” between University of Bologna and OGNIBENE POWER (Reggio Emilia).
• 2014. Research project: “Valutazione di tensioni residue, prove di trazione e caratterizzazione microstrutturale di leghe di alluminio da fonderia”, between University of Bologna and FERRARI SpA.
• 2014. Research project: “Studio tribologico preliminare di materiali per contatto camme/punzoni in macchina comprimitrice”, between University of Bologna and IMA SpA.
• 2014. Research project: “Studio tribologico di materiali per boccole flangiate in impianti di sollevamento (MAST) per sensoristica di sottomarini”, between University of Bologna and Calzoni Srl (Calderara di Reno, BO).
• 2014-15. Research project: “Caratterizzazione fisica, meccanica e microstrutturale di leghe di alluminio da fonderia”, between University of Bologna and FERRARI SpA.
• 2013-14. Research project: “Analisi del filo di saldatura (prodotto finito) e dei suoi semilavorati.”, between University of Bologna and Lincoln Electric Italia (Serra Ricco' GE).
• 2012-2013. Research project: "Heat treatment optimization of cast aluminum alloys", between CIRI-MAM University of Bologna, and Ferrari SpA (Maranello, Mo), (2012-2013).
• 2012-2013. Research project: “Aluminium alloys for high temperature applications and reinforced with nanodispersoids”, between CIRI-MAM University of Bologna, and Ducati Motor Holding SpA, Bologna, (2012-2013).
• 2012. Research project: “Failure analysis of components of an automatic machine for dosing of pharmaceutical powders”, between University of Bologna and I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche, Ozzano Emilia (BO).
• 2011-2015. Research project: "Microstructural and tribological characterization of components for radial piston hydraulic motors," between University of Bologna and Parker Hannifin Srl, Anzola Emilia (BO).
• 2011-2012. Research project: "Microstructural characterization of Ti joints", between University of Bologna and Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany, (2011-12).
• 2010-2011. Research project: "Compositional, microstructural, mechanical and fractographic characterization of metal alloys for racing components", between University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding, Bologna, (2010-2011).
• 2009-2010. Research project:"Characterization of steel wire rods for the production of filler wires for MIG/MAG welding ", between University of Bologna and Lincoln Electric, Chiusi della Verna (Arezzo), (2009-2010).
• 2005-2006. Research project: "Compositional, microstructural, mechanical and fractographic characterization of metal alloys for racing components", between University of Bologna and Ducati Racing, Bologna (2008- 2009).
• 2005-2006. Research project: "Microstructural and mechanical characterization of steels subjected to low pressure case-hardening", between University of Bologna and Pasello Trattamenti Termici, Calderara di Reno (Bologna) (2006-2007).
• 2005-2006. Research project: "Microstructural and mechanical characterization of aluminum alloys for motorsport applications," between University of Bologna and Ducati Racing, Bologna (2005-2006).
• 2001-2002. Research project entitled: "Microstructural and mechanical characterization of aluminum alloys for motorsport applications," between University of Bologna and Ducati Motor Holding SpA, Bologna (2001-2002).

MEMBERSHIP

• Italian Association of Metallurgy (Italy).
• Industrial Research Centre for Advanced Mechanics and Materials (Italy)

RECENT INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

Salem Seiffedine, Anders Jarfors, Tony H. Bogdanoff (School of Engineering, Jonkoping University, Sweden), Diran Apelian, Worcester Polytechnique Institute (USA); Marisa di Sabatino, Trondheim University (Norway), I. El-Mahallawi The British University in Egypt, Cairo (Egypt), S. F. Brunatto Universidade Federal do Paraná (Brasile).

Lorella Ceschini

Bologna, July 2025