Michele Abruzzo

In February 2019, he graduated cum laude with an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pisa, defending an experimental thesis on the design and dynamic characterization of a power-recirculating gear test rig. Subsequently, as an independent vibration-analysis consultant, he conducted detailed forced-response studies of mechanical transmission systems, produced Campbell diagrams, and quantified gyroscopic effects in loaded gear trains.

In November 2019, he began his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering (Mechanical curriculum) at the University of Pisa. His research focused on the development of multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic models and lumped-parameter representations for gear transmissions, the experimental identification of damping coefficients using laser interferometry and Digital Image Correlation (DIC), and the iterative optimization of gear-tooth profiles to reduce noise and vibration. Between 2021 and 2022, he collaborated with Baker Hughes on the static and dynamic characterization of metallic and composite coupling systems. On 23 February 2023, he defended his dissertation—“Innovative Models for Characterizing the Dynamic Response of Mechanical Transmission Systems”—and was awarded the Ph.D. with unanimous “excellent cum laude.”

Since December 2022, he has held a Research Fellowship in Mechanical Technology (SSD ING-IND/16) at the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa. His principal research activities encompass both the dynamic modeling of power transmissions and advanced manufacturing processes. He has investigated metal additive manufacturing workflows—analyzing how energy density, scan strategy, and powder composition influence the static and fatigue performance, surface finish, and mechanical integrity of aluminum and Inconel 718 components—through static/fatigue testing, ping tests, and surface integrity analyses. Since February 2023, he has also contributed to the EU-funded GigaGreen project, developing parametric finite-element models of Li-ion battery electrodes, including both standard and femtosecond-laser-textured surfaces, to simulate active-material expansion, contraction, and mechanical response (compression, bending, peel). These studies aim to establish guidelines for laser-based surface functionalization. His work bridges rigorous experimental methodologies with advanced digital simulations, ensuring a strong integration of theoretical insight and engineering practice.

Concurrently, he delivers lectures and laboratory sessions for the courses “Tecnologia Meccanica” and “Fondamenti di Tecnologia per la Produzione.” Since 2023, he has also been a co-instructor for the course “Disegno e Tecnologia” within the Professional Bachelor’s degree programme in Tecniche per la Meccanica e la Produzione. To date, he has supervised two bachelor’s theses and six master’s theses.