Fuel Performance Modelling Professors and Supervisors in Italy

Elena DEGOLIView profile

Professor

University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaItaly

Elena DEGOLI is a Full Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, affiliated with the Department of Engineering Sciences and Methods. Her academic role focuses on theoretical physics of matter and materials science, with expertise in solid-state physics, nanotechnology, and computational modeling. Teaching: She currently teaches Physics I and Physics II for Mechatronic Engineering students, covering classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Courses emphasize problem-solving, theoretical analysis, and experimental techniques. Research: Prof. DEGOLI's work spans defects in semiconductors, lithium-ion battery materials, nonlinear optics in solids, and silicon nanocrystals. Key areas include: Grain boundary dynamics and impurity segregation in silicon Computational modeling of electronic and thermal properties in nanostructures Development of novel battery anode materials using self-healing binders Optoelectronic properties of strained silicon and HfO₂ systems Publications: Her research has been published in top journals like Thin Solid Films , Journal of Materials Chemistry A , and Physical Review B , with a focus on multiscale modeling and first-principles simulations. Advising & Grants: While no specific grants or student advisement details are listed, her extensive publication record indicates active research collaborations and mentorship in computational and experimental materials science.

Official University Profile

Stefano LorenziView profile

Professor

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Prof. Stefano Lorenzi is a Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Pavia, specializing in advanced nuclear systems. His core research focuses on thermal-fluid dynamics, molten salt reactors (MSRs), small modular reactors (SMRs), and computational methods for reactor safety and economics. He leads projects like TANDEM and ELSMOR, addressing SMR integration into hybrid energy systems and European licensing frameworks. His work includes multiphysics modeling of MSR fission products, stability analysis of natural circulation loops, and neutronics simulations using OpenFOAM and Monte Carlo methods. Key contributions span reactor dynamics, control systems, and validation of open-source nuclear codes. Prof. Lorenzi's recent studies emphasize SMR economics, safety features of in-core bubbling systems, and hybrid data assimilation for reactor analysis. He collaborates with institutions like LENA (Laboratory of Energy Engineering) and contributes to international projects such as SAMOSAFER and the MYRRHA test facility.

Official University Profile

Aurélien TissotView profile

Researcher

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Aurélien Tissot is a Researcher affiliated with the Nuclear Reactors Group (NRGroup) at Politecnico di Milano. His primary role involves advanced R&D in nuclear engineering, particularly focusing on fuel performance modeling and GenIV reactor technologies. He has been continuously involved with NRGroup since 2016, contributing to projects on lead-cooled fast reactors, reduced-order modeling, and inert gas behavior in nuclear fuels. Education: MSc in Engineering (Mechanical Systems), Université de Technologie de Troyes, France (2013) PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (2015) Research Highlights: Tissot’s work spans nuclear fuel behavior analysis, transient modeling of nuclear systems, and computational methods for reactor design. His PhD thesis addressed inert gas dynamics in UO₂ fuel, while his MSc thesis explored fuel pin performance codes. Recent efforts include MSR/LFR (Molten Salt/Lead Fast Reactors) and control-oriented modeling of GenIV systems. Labs & Teams: Active member of NRGroup, specializing in next-generation reactor technologies and fuel performance simulation. Collaborates with institutions like POLIMI and NRGroup alumni networks.

Official University Profile

Mostafa JamalipourView profile

Researcher

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Mostafa Jamalipour is a Researcher affiliated with the Nuclear Reactor Group (NRGroup) at Politecnico di Milano. His research focuses on advanced nuclear reactor technologies, including neutronics analysis, fuel performance modelling, and Gen IV reactor systems such as Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Lead-Cooled Fast Reactors (LFR). He conducted a 20-month R&D period at NRGroup from 2016–2017, collaborating on configuration studies for innovative reactor cores. His work involves developing reduced-order models and analyzing inert gas behavior in nuclear fuels under transient conditions. Educational Background: MSc from Kerman Graduate University of Advanced Technology (KGUAT, Iran). R&D Contributions: Fuel performance modelling, helium behavior analysis in oxide fuels, and transient analysis methodologies. Collaborators include researchers like Stefano Lorenzi (specializing in Gen IV MSR/LFR systems) and Davide Pizzocri (PhD in fuel transient analysis). His research bridges theoretical modelling with practical applications in next-generation nuclear energy systems.

Official University Profile

Dario Colorado GarridoView profile

Researcher

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Dario Colorado Garrido is a Researcher affiliated with the Department of Energy at Politecnico di Milano (NRGroup). His primary role involves R&D activities since 2016, focusing on GenIV reactors (e.g., Molten Salt Reactors, Lead-Cooled Fast Reactors) and advanced computational modeling techniques. He has held continuous R&D periods at NRGroup since 2016, contributing to projects like fuel performance analysis and reduced-order modeling. Education: PhD in Nuclear Engineering (2015): Thesis on control-oriented modeling of GenIV lead-cooled reactors. MSc in Nuclear Engineering (2011): Thesis on fuel pin performance code extensions. Additional MSc (2020): Thesis on helium behavior in oxide nuclear fuel. His research interests span fuel behavior under transient conditions, computational model validation, and advanced reactor design. Collaboration with institutions like the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (Mexico) highlights interdisciplinary work in energy systems. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Official University Profile

Stefano PassoniView profile

Researcher

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Stefano Passoni is a Researcher at Politecnico di Milano's NRGroup, focusing on nuclear engineering and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). His R&D spans since 2016, covering fuel performance modeling, GenIV reactors (e.g., MSR, LFR), compact heat exchangers, and reduced-order models. He holds a PhD (2018) and MSc (2013) from Politecnico di Milano, with thesis topics on nuclear fuel behavior and lead-cooled fast reactors. His research interests emphasize CFD applications in multiphase flow analysis, nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulics, and energy systems optimization. Recent work involves machine learning integration for void fraction estimation and experimental validation of compact heat exchangers. He advises multiple PhD/MSc students and collaborates on projects like the ELSMOR initiative. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned. His contributions include prototyping oxygen separation membranes and advancing wind turbine aerodynamics through CFD modeling. Active in NRGroup's R&D since 2016, he leads teams in GenIV reactor modeling and computational methods development.

Official University Profile

Antonio CammiView profile

Professor

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Prof. Antonio Cammi is a distinguished academic focusing on advanced nuclear technologies and thermal-fluid systems. His research integrates computational modeling, experimental validation, and innovative engineering solutions for fusion energy systems, molten salt reactors, and high-performance thermal management. Key areas include gyrotron design for plasma heating, remote maintenance systems for fusion facilities, and reactor safety through multiphysics analysis. He actively contributes to international projects like JUNO (neutrino detection), IFMIF-DONES (fusion materials testing), and EU-DEMO (demonstration fusion reactor). His work bridges fundamental physics with applied engineering, addressing challenges in reactor core dynamics, fuel cycle optimization, and computational efficiency. Notable methodologies include reduced order modeling (ROM), data assimilation techniques, and hybrid simulation approaches. Cammi collaborates with institutions like ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies), ITER, and the University of Pavia (TRIGA reactor). Research interests span fusion plasma physics, advanced reactor materials, neutron radiation effects, and sustainable nuclear energy economics. His team develops novel tools for reactor safety assessment, including digital twins and real-time monitoring systems. Current projects emphasize high-flux testing infrastructure, passive safety systems, and modular reactor designs for next-generation energy systems.

Official University Profile

Lelio LuzziView profile

Professor

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Prof. Lelio Luzzi is a Professor at Politecnico di Milano, specializing in Thermal Fluid Dynamics, Passive Safety Systems, and Economics of Nuclear Energy. His research spans nuclear fuel behavior, multiphysics modeling, and reactor stability analysis. Key Collaborations: Involved in projects related to Molten Salt Fast Reactors (MSFR), Lead Fast Reactors (LFR), and dark matter detection (DarkSide-20k). Research Focus: Development of computational tools (BISON, TRANSURANUS, OpenFOAM) for nuclear fuel performance, fission gas release, and reactor safety. Methodologies: Expertise in Reduced Order Modeling (ROM), Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), and multi-physics solvers for reactor dynamics. Recent Publications (2017–2019): Investigate fission gas behavior, helium diffusivity in oxide fuels, and criticality safety in dynamic compression events, emphasizing advanced numerical algorithms and experimental validation.

Official University Profile

Alberto TosolinView profile

Researcher

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Alberto Tosolin is a Researcher affiliated with Politecnico di Milano (NRGroup). His research focuses on nuclear fuel performance, molten salt reactors (MSR), and thermal-mechanical modeling of Generation IV reactors. He has conducted extensive R&D work on fuel behavior, code validation, and multi-physics modeling of advanced reactor systems. Education: MSc in Nuclear Engineering (2013/2014/2016/2018) – Theses include studies on fuel-coolant interactions in LFRs and fuel pin performance codes. PhD in Nuclear Engineering (2018/2022) – Thesis titles include work on inert gas behavior in UO₂ fuel and advancements in MOX-fuel pin modeling for liquid-metal fast reactors. R&D Contributions: His work at NRGroup (2016–present) spans MSR dynamics, neutronics modeling, and Reduced Order Models for reactor control. He has also contributed to fuel performance code validation and benchmarking for Generation IV systems.

Official University Profile

Jonas Narvaez ArruaView profile

Researcher

Polytechnic University of MilanItaly

Jonas Narvaez Arrua is a Researcher affiliated with Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) as part of the NRGroup. His R&D activities span from 2016 to the present, focusing on advanced nuclear technologies including fuel performance modeling, Gen IV reactors (e.g., Molten Salt Reactors, Lead-Cooled Fast Reactors), and neutronics/thermal fluid dynamics under projects like SAMOSAFER. He holds two conflicting PhD degrees: one in 2015 titled *'Improvement of the control-oriented modelling of the Gen-IV lead-cooled fast reactor'* and another in 2018 titled *'Modelling and assessment of inert gas behaviour in UO2 nuclear fuel for transient analysis.'* His MSc degrees were completed in 2013 and 2011. Research interests emphasize fuel behavior analysis, reduced-order modeling techniques, and safety assessments for next-generation reactors. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications in nuclear energy systems. No scientific awards or published articles are explicitly listed in the provided text. Current roles include R&D contributions at NRGroup and research assistantship at POLIMI.

Official University Profile

Matteo-Claudio PalpacelliView profile

Associate Professor

Marche Polytechnic UniversityItaly

Matteo-Claudio Palpacelli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Marche, where he has been a faculty member since 2019, following his role as a researcher from 2008 to 2019. He teaches Applied Mechanics to Machines at the Bachelor's level and Functional Design at the Master's level, both at the Ancona campus. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, 2004 PhD in Artificial Intelligence Systems in Information, Management, and Industrial Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, 2008 His research lies at the intersection of Robotics, Mechatronics, and Applied Mechanics , with a strong emphasis on parallel kinematic machines , collaborative robotics , reconfigurable robots , robotic microassembly , and visual servoing . He has advanced expertise in biomechanics and rehabilitation robotics through a collaboration with King’s College London. His work also extends to multibody system dynamics and compliant mechanisms. Palpacelli has contributed to national PRIN projects in bioengineering and miniaturized robotics, as well as European projects in the textile sector. The recent publications (2021–2024) highlight a consistent focus on collaborative robotics, optimization of robotic motion, compliant mechanisms, and industrial automation. There is a clear trend toward integrating AI and machine learning in robotic polishing and defect detection, while maintaining a strong foundation in kinematic analysis, control strategies, and mechanical design. Topics such as collision avoidance, inverse kinematics of non-spherical wrist robots, and flexure hinge modeling reflect both theoretical and applied contributions. His scientific contributions are recognized through over 60 Scopus-indexed publications and two patents. While no specific awards are mentioned in the text, his leadership in research projects and international collaborations underscores his academic impact. He actively supervises PhD students, including Albin Bajrami, Federico Emiliani, and others, and collaborates closely with colleagues such as Massimo Callegari and Luca Carbonari. He is involved in the i-LABS research initiative, focusing on human-robot collaboration and industrial case studies. His research group is engaged in both fundamental and applied projects, bridging academia and industry.

Official University Profile

Manuela BattipedeView profile

Associate Professor

Polytechnic University of TurinItaly

Manuela Battipede is Associate Professor of Flight Mechanics & Control at the Politecnico di Torino , Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS). Since 2002 she has led research and teaching in aerospace guidance, airworthiness, neural-network-based virtual sensors, and trajectory optimisation, coordinating EU H2020 and Clean Sky projects, industrial airworthiness certification contracts, and supervising PhD students in aerospace engineering. Education & Academic Career Joined Politecnico di Torino as a confirmed Associate Professor (Prof.ssa Associata Confermata). Visiting Researcher, West Virginia University, USA (April–September 2002). Research Interests Her work integrates control theory , flight mechanics , and artificial-intelligence-based sensing to enhance safety and efficiency of air and space vehicles. Key themes include: 4-D trajectory optimisation for climate-neutral aviation. Certifiable virtual air-data systems using neural networks. Flutter suppression and intelligent flight control for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Low-thrust orbital mechanics, collision avoidance, and end-of-life disposal for satellites. Lighter-than-air platforms and VTOL hybrid drones for earth-observation and fire-monitoring missions. Scientific Awards & Recognition PoCN – Proof of Concept Network (2015), AREA Science Park, Italy. Regular evaluator for SESAR Joint Undertaking, EU H2020, and European Commission programmes. Doctoral Advising & Funding Since 2011 she has served on the PhD board of the Aerospace Engineering doctorate at Politecnico di Torino, currently supervising: Giorgio Antonio Orlando (39th cycle, 2023–) Gabriele Tarascio (39th cycle, 2023–) She has been Scientific Director of >20 competitively funded projects (EU Clean Sky MIDAS, ESA, MIUR-PRIN, EASA certification contracts, etc.) and commercial consultancy contracts exceeding €3 M. Laboratories & Teams Battipede leads the Modelling, Simulation and Control of Aircraft research group at DIMEAS, managing real-time hardware-in-the-loop test rigs, CubeSat development platforms, and an integrated multi-aircraft simulation laboratory for education and industrial validation.

Official University Profile