Mechanical Manufacturing
Resume:
CECILIA BORGONOVO
*****, ******** (IN)
**********@***.***
OBJECTIVE:
Research engineer in a R&D division with a focus in the development of advanced technological
solutions in fluid dynamics and innovative material development.
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, GPA 3.98/4.00 May 2013
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Master in Materials Science and Engineering, GPA 4.00/4.00 May 2010
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Master in Mechanical Engineering, GPA 4.00/4.00 January 2009
University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, GPA 4.00/4.00 July 2006
University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
Optimization of a Novel Finite-Volume Fluid Dynamic Code on Failing Components
University of Bologna, Bologna, ITALY B.S. thesis, March 2006-July 2006
Identified the causes of the failure of several components such as gear pumps, shafts, and
motoristic components. Tested N.E.M.O., a developing computational fluid dynamic code on a
defective gear pump. Determined the cause of the malfunctioning through iterative simulations.
Expanded the functionalities of the code and optimized the data input.
Failure Analysis Studies on Engine Components
University of Bologna, Bologna, ITALY (in collaboration with Ferrari and Ducati Motorbikes)
July 2007-July 2008
Extensive studies and characterization of failed components in Ferrari vehicles and Ducati
motorvehicles have been carried out. Re-design of such components has also been pursued.
Alternative heat treatment cycles have also been purposed and tested. Optimization of the
material and alloying elements has been discussed.
Ultrasonic Solidification Applied to Aluminum Alloys Reinforced with Nanoparticles
Metal Processing Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute- University of Bologna, Bologna, ITALY
M.S. thesis, July 2008-Jan. 2009
(in collaboration with Ducati Motorbikes)
Ultrasonic cavitation-based solidification has been recently used to disperse ceramic
nanoparticles in an aluminum or magnesium matrix. Extensive microstructure characterization of
samples from University of Wisconsin-Madison pursued. Delineated the mechanism responsible
for the improvement of mechanical properties and the effect of the ultrasonic power on particle
dispersion.
Aluminum Nanocomposites for High Temperature Applications
Metal Processing Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute M.S. thesis, Jan. 2009-June 2010
Carried out a feasibility study of an innovative manufacturing process for aluminum-based
nanocomposite materials. The method entails the reaction between a gaseous phase and the
liquid aluminum to synthesize aluminum nitride nanoparticles in the matrix. The process has
shown to be feasible and the dispersion of the secondary phase optimal. The mechanism of
formation of AlN has been described and a detailed analysis on the effect of alloying elements and
reactive gas composition (nitrogen/ammonia) pursued. The conditions for the reaction to take
place have been reported and the path for the optimization of the process has been laid. The
process parameters have been determined through computational simulation of the gas-liquid
interaction.
Aluminum Nanocomposites for High Temperature Applications
Metal Processing Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Ph.D. thesis, June 2010-present
Extended the work of the M.S. thesis and optimized the experimental apparatus. Stainless steel,
titanium and Inconel rotors have been built and implemented in the design. Conducted
experiments to determine the role of the various process variables and built correlations between
the vol.% of nanoparticles formed and processing time and temperature. Defined the factors that
affect particle size and shape. Extensive microstructure analysis pursued. Evaluated the
mechanical properties and selected the optimal casting process for the composite ingot.
Developed/standardized the manufacturing route for scaled-up industrial applications. Tested
porous ceramic for foundry practice and contributed to develop 3D printing technique applied to
ceramic components. XRD, SEM and TEM analysis pursued. Also implemented a novel
degassing technique involving Ultrasonic Cavitation of molten metal.
EXPERIENCE:
Research Assistant, Metal Processing Institute Jan 2009-present
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
I have been responsible for the management of our foundry and the foundry team (5
people) at Metal Processing Institute for 4 years. Namely, of the foundry, the metal
characterization lab, the testing labs and SEM. I worked in the Advanced Casting Research
Center, a center of Worcester Polytechnic Institute which performs developmental research
relevant to the metal casting industry with a focus on light metals, non-ferrous alloys, semi-solid
processing and more recently composite materials. The center is funded by industrial members,
i.e. ~50 companies among the most established in USA and all over the world. The
representatives of these industries -for the major part chief engineers from the R&D division- get
together with the researcher of the center twice a year to provide their feedback on the status of
the research and to address the technological problems encountered in the metal casting industry.
Worked as research metallurgist on a wide range of light metals, especially aluminum, lithium and
magnesium engineering materials for high temperature applications.
Internship, Department of Aeronautic, Nuclear and Metallurgical Constructions May 2007
University of Bologna, Bologna, ITALY (in collaboration with Ferrari).
Designed a six-cylinders engine in its great details first by hand, and then with CAD techniques.
Mechanical and thermal fatigue testing performed on every component in collaboration with
Ducati Motorbikes.
Internship, Department of Aeronautic, Nuclear and Metallurgical Construction
University of Bologna, Bologna, ITALY Feb 2006-July 2006
Learned aerodynamic concepts applied to a small CESSNA aircraft. Plane chassis designed
through CAD techniques and aerodynamic simulations performed.
Note:
Time when only classes were taken and no projects were pursued:
Sept 2004-Feb 2006
July 2006-July 2007
SKILLS:
Computer: Microsoft Office, Linux, Latex, Matlab, Mathematica, COMSOL, ANSYS, ProE,
SolidWorks, Image analysis software ImageJ.
Lab Techniques: Machining aluminum and tool steel, Foundry practices (casting) aluminum and
steel, titanium, nickel-based alloys. Heat treating (steel and aluminum alloys), Vacuum and high-
temperature sealing technologies (above 1000 Cº), Gas handling, Cutting equipment (horizontal
and vertical saws), Metallographic techniques for sample preparation, Optical microscopy,
SEM/TEM microscopy, Macro/microhardness testing, Tensile test machine. Reduced pressure
testing, Ultrasonic processing.
Foreign Languages: Italian, German, Latin.
ACTIVITIES:
The Minerals, Metals & Material Society 2009-present
Secretary of the Material Advantage Chapter at WPI 2009-2010
Alpha Sigma Mu, Material Society 2010-present
Associate Member of Sigma Xi, Honor Scientific Society 2011-present
GRANTS
Robert H. Goddard Fellowship 2010-2011
AWARDS:
3rd place for the pitch of “A Novel Method for Manufacturing Aluminum-Aluminum Nitride
Nanocomposites”.
Innovation Competition i3, Graduate-level competition, April 2013, Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
Worcester, MA.
2nd place for the pitch of “A Novel Method for Manufacturing Aluminum-Aluminum Nitride
Nanocomposites”.
Innovation Competition i3, Graduate-level competition, March 2012, Worcester Polytechnic
Institute, Worcester, MA.
3rd place for the Engineering Division with the poster “A Novel Method for Manufacturing
Aluminum-Aluminum Nitride Nanocomposites”
Graduate Achievement Day 2011, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Innovation prize for the Innovation Competition Presentation of the poster “A Novel Method for
Manufacturing Aluminum-Aluminum Nitride Nanocomposites”
Graduate Achievement Day 2011, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
PUBLICATIONS:
C. Borgonovo, “Development of a New Parallel Code for Computational Continuum Mechanics
Using Object-Oriented Techniques, “Bachelors Thesis, University of Bologna, 2007.
C. Borgonovo and D. Apelian, “Manufacture of Aluminum Nanocomposites: A Critical Review,”
Materials Science Forum, vol. 678, pp. 1-22, 2011.
C. Borgonovo and D. Apelian, “Aluminum Nanocomposites via Gas Assisted Processing,”
Materials Science Forum, vol. 690, pp. 187-191, 2011.
C. Borgonovo and D. Apelian, “Processing of Lightweight Metal Matrix Composites via In-Situ
Gas/Liquid Reaction,” Materials Science Forum, vol. 678, pp. 115-123, 2011.
C. Borgonovo, D. Apelian, and M.M. Makhlouf, “Aluminum Nanocomposites for Elevated
Temperature Applications,” Journal of Materials, pp. 51-58, Feb. 2011.
C. Borgonovo and M.M. Makhlouf, “A Novel Method for Manufacturing Aluminum-Aluminum
Nitride Nanocomposites,” Proceedings of MS&T, Columbus, Ohio, 2011.
C. Borgonovo and M.M. Makhlouf, “The Synthesis of Die-Castable Nano-Particle Reinforced
Aluminum Matrix Composite Materials by In-Situ Gas-Liquid Reaction,” Proceedings of High Tech
Die Casting, Vicenza, 2012.
C.Borgonovo and M.M. Makhlouf, “In-Situ Manufacturing of Nano-Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix
Composites,” Proceedings of AFS, Columbus, Ohio, 2012.
C.Borgonovo and M.M. Makhlouf, “In-Situ Manufacturing of Aluminum Based Metal Matrix
Composites,” Proceedings of the 15th European Conference on Composite Composite Materials,
Venice, Italy, 2012.
C.Borgonovo and M.M.Makhlouf, “On the Nature of the Interface between the Aluminum Matrix
and the Aluminum Nitride Reinforcing Particles in Chemically Synthesized Composite Materials,”
Submitted to Scripta Materialia.
C.Borgonovo and M.M.Makhlouf, “Processing Methods for Aluminum Nanocomposites” Submitted
to International Materials Reviews.
C.Borgonovo and M.M.Makhlouf, “Synthesis of Aluminum-Aluminum Nitride Nanocomposites by
Gas-Liquid Reactions – Thermodynamic and Kinetic Considerations” Submitted to Metallurgical
and Materials Transactions A.
C.Borgonovo and M.M.Makhlouf, “Synthesis of Aluminum-Aluminum Nitride Nanocomposites by
Gas-Liquid Reactions – Microstructural Evaluation and Mechanical Properties” Submitted to
Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B.
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