Lorella Ceschini

Curriculum Vitae – Lorella Ceschini

CURRENT POSITION

Full Professor of Metallurgy - School of Engineering & Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna (Italy), Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN).

The research interests are focused on the relationship microstructure-process properties of metal materials, mainly for to the optimization of their fatigue and tribological behavior. Thanks to several collaborations with the main companies of the automotive industry, the research has focused in particular on aluminium alloys and special steels, processed by casting, plastic deformation or additive manufacturing, with a view to lightening. More details on her research activity can be found in the "Research" section of this website and in the publications linked to ORCID ID 0000-0003-2358-1306 (Scopus Author ID: 7004218595, Researcher ID: R-4024-2016). She is the author of over 200 publications, of which 179 were recorded by SCOPUS (h-index=34).

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER

• 5-year Degree in Nuclear Engineering (100/100 cum Laude), from Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna (1988).
• Professional habilitation in 1988
• Ph. D. in Metallurgical Engineering (1992) from University of Padua.
• Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna (1992-2005).
• Associate Professor of Metallurgy at the Faculty of Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN) (2005-2016).
• Full Professor of Metallurgy at the School of Engineering & Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, since 2016.

RECENT INSTITUTIONAL ROLES AT BOLOGNA UNIVERSITY

• National leader of the Spoke 11 "Innovative materials and lightweighting" of the national Center for Sustainable Mobility (MOST).
• Member of the “Raw Materials" Thematic Research Group, University of Bologna (2017-2021).
• Member of the Research board at DICAM Dept. (2016-2020)
• Member of the PhD teaching council in Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Engineering Sciences (DIMSAI), DIN Dept..
• Delegate for Research at DIN Dept. (2015-2016).
• Delegate for International Relations at DIN Dept. (2012-15).

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

Lorella has been teaching in degree programmes of the School of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Bologna since 1995.

She's presently teaching "Mechanical Metallurgy", “Metallic Biomaterials” (2nd cycle degree programme (LM) in Mechanical Engineering), "Metallurgy" (1st cycle degree programme (L) in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering). For more details, see also the "Teaching" section in this website.

Non-institutional teaching/invited lectures and seminars

• 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

Tutor and co-tutor of many PhD Thesis on Metallurgy. The following ones are the most recent: “Microstructural and mechanical characterization of innovative magnesium alloys” (V. Angelini); “Cast aluminum alloys and al-based nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties at room and high temperature: production and characterization” (S. Toschi); “Tribological behavior of materials for industrial components: failure analysis and tribological tests” (A. Marconi); “Correlations between microstructure and mechanical properties and effect of high temperature exposure in Al-Si-Mg and Al-Cu heat treated alloys” (A. Morri); “Effect of microstructure on fatigue behaviour of aluminum alloys and Al-based composites” (I. Boromei).

Tutor overseeing more than 200 Bachelor and Master Thesis in Metallurgy for: Mechanical, Energy, Chemical and Aerospace Engineering.

Advisor of many research fellows.

SCIENTIFIC LEADER OF COMPETITIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS

Sustainable Mobility Center: leader of SPOKE "Innovative materials and lightweighting" (MUR).

FAR (MIUR) Research Project: "Study and design of mechanical aluminum alloy components with high performance and reliability, subjected to thermomechanical fatigue for engine applications", in collaboration with Ferrari SpA Maranello (Modena). Main Project Manager Dr. Eng. Gianluca Pivetti, Ferrari SpA (2007-2010).

FIRB (MIUR) project RBIP068WAA: “Definition of an integrate platform for the design of engine components of motorvehicles characterized by a low weight/power ratio and reduced environmental impact, by means of novel modelling methods and by carrying out research on innovative materials and process technologies, also transferable to other vehicle components”. National Scientific Coordinator Prof. Antonio Strozzi, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. (2008-2011).

Industry 2015 Project - Call Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Economic Development (DM 05/03/2008-Code question EE01_00056), Project "TIXOFORM New thixotropic forming process of bronze alloys with high energy saving and with industrial diffusivity", main industrial partner IMR SpA, Romans d'Isonzo (Gorizia), (2008-2010).

PRIN 2008: “Low temperature carburising of austenitic stainless steels”.

PRIN 2004: “Production and characterization of thin magnesium sheets for plastic and superplastic forming”.

PRIN 2002: Nanocrystalline aluminum alloys for an innovative structural joint.

PRIN 1999: Net shape forming of aluminum based metal matrix composites: microstructural and mechanical aspects.

She was the Person in charge of the European Project proposal IN-HANCE - Advanced Industrial processing of High-strength Aluminium matrix NanoComposites, Call: H2020-NMP-PILOTS-2014, Proposal Number: 646276, with 17 partners (Volkswagen, SAPA, Aluinvent, Technische Universitaet Chemnitz, Tekniska Högskolan Jönköping). The project obtained a positive evaluation (the score was higher than the threshold) but it was not financed given the budgetary resources available under the call.

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

She has been and is presently responsible for several industrial cooperation contracts:

• 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).

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND PUBLICATIONS

Lorella has authored more than 230 scientific products (H-index=29) published in books and international conference proceedings in the field of metallurgy. Her ORCID number is 0000-0001-9281-6469. She contributed in 2013 to the Encyclopedia of Tribology published by Springer. She also authored the book “Aluminum and Magnesium Metal Matrix Nanocomposites” published by Springer (2016) and the chapter “Friction and Wear of Aluminum Alloys and Composites”, ASM Handbook –Vol. 18: “Friction, Lubrication, and Wear Technology” , ASM Int. Materials Park (2017).

Her published papers are linked to:

1. Aluminium and magnesium alloys: process, microstructure and mechanical properties

1. Metal matrix composites: process, microstructure and mechanical properties.
2. Tribological behaviour (friction and wear) and fatigue of metals.
3. Steels and cast irons: optimization of process conditions (e.g. heat treatment parameters) to increase mechanical properties.
4. Superplasticity of metals and metal matrix composites.

MEMBERSHIP

Lorella is currently serving as member of the

• Italian Association of Metallurgy (Italy).
• Member of the Italian Association of Tribology (Italy)
• Industrial Research Centre for Advanced Mechanics and Materials (Italy)
• Editorial Panel of the International Journal of the Italian Association for Metallurgy

REFEREE FOR SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS

She carries out Reviewing activities for the most relevant peer-reviewed international journals in the field of metallurgy (Composite Science and Technology, Composite Part A, Wear, Surface and Coatings Technology, International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, Materials Science and Engineering C, Materials Science and Engineering A, International Journal of Fatigue, Scripta Materialia, Materials and Design, Tribology International).

RECENT INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

Prof. Salem Seiffedine, Jönköping University (Sweden); Prof. Diran Apelian, Worcester Polytechnique Institute (USA); Prof. Marisa di Sabatino, Trondheim University (Norway), I. El-Mahallawi The British University in Egypt, Cairo (Egypt), S. F. Brunatto Universidade Federal do Paraná (Brasile), F. Berto Norwegian University of Science and Technology) Trondheim (Norway).

Lorella Ceschini

Bologna, July 2023