Assistant Prof. Dr. at University of Deusto, Spain
Dr. Lorenzo Pedrolli is an emerging expert in the field of applied mechanics, with a strong focus on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), discrete element modeling (DEM), and particulate material handling for additive manufacturing. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Deusto, he has developed significant research on pneumatic conveying of metal powders and the adhesive properties of particulate materials. His scholarly output includes several peer-reviewed publications and presentations at internationally acclaimed conferences. With a background that bridges academic rigor and industrial application, Dr. Pedrolli has collaborated with institutions such as Fraunhofer IZM and contributed to Horizon 2020 projects. Multilingual and highly versatile, he excels in both teaching and research environments. His deep technical knowledge, combined with hands-on experience in system design, makes him a well-rounded academic contributing to advances in mechatronics, powder technology, and simulation-based engineering approaches.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Lorenzo Pedrolli has pursued a progressive educational path rooted in mechanical and mechatronic engineering. He began with a Technical High School Diploma in Mechanics from Istituto Tecnico Industriale “M. Buonarroti,” where he ranked among the top students nationally in engineering competitions. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Industrial and Mechatronic Engineering respectively from the University of Trento, where he graduated with commendable scores. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from the University of Deusto under the prestigious 6i Dirs MSC COFUND program, focusing on the CFD-DEM simulation of metallic powder flow in laser metal deposition systems. His educational foundation reflects a strong combination of theoretical understanding, practical application, and cross-disciplinary integration. Throughout his studies, Dr. Pedrolli has demonstrated academic excellence, research innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing engineering science, particularly in the areas of fluid-particle interaction and additive manufacturing processes.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Lorenzo Pedrolli has amassed a diverse range of academic and industrial experiences across Europe. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Deusto, where he lectures on applied mechanics and material science. Previously, he taught subjects such as pneumatic systems and industrial organization at the University of Trento and Technical High School “M. Buonarroti.” His industry roles include mechanical system design and R&D with leading companies such as PAMA S.p.A. and Ducati Energia S.p.A., where he contributed to flywheel-based energy systems and machining center design. Additionally, he worked as a researcher at Fraunhofer IZM on 3D integration for high-energy physics detectors under a Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant. Dr. Pedrolli also operated as a freelance designer, applying LEAN optimization techniques in mechatronic system development. This comprehensive mix of roles underlines his unique ability to blend teaching, research, and engineering expertise in academic and applied contexts.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Lorenzo Pedrolli’s research interests lie at the intersection of computational mechanics, particle technology, and additive manufacturing. He specializes in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Modeling (DEM), particularly in the simulation of gas-solid interactions in processes such as pneumatic conveying and laser metal deposition. His work contributes to the optimization of powder flow behavior in complex geometries, supporting industrial innovation in the fields of advanced manufacturing and material processing. He is also deeply engaged in studying the surface energy and adhesive properties of powders, developing kinetic adhesion tests and analytical methodologies. Furthermore, his research integrates multi-scale modeling, validation of numerical methods, and experimental techniques to enhance accuracy in material behavior prediction. Through international collaborations and conference presentations, he continues to explore interdisciplinary links across mechanical engineering, materials science, and applied physics, driving forward novel solutions in simulation-driven design and smart manufacturing systems.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Lorenzo Pedrolli has received various accolades that reflect his academic excellence and engineering aptitude. During his early academic career, he was recognized as the third-best performer in the National Engineering Competition (2007) in Italy. His Ph.D. journey at the University of Deusto was supported by the 6i Dirs MSC COFUND fellowship, a prestigious EU-funded program promoting interdisciplinary research and mobility. Additionally, he was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie scholarship as part of the Horizon 2020 STREAM project at Fraunhofer IZM, focusing on cutting-edge sensor integration for high-energy physics. These honors underscore his strong research potential and international credibility. His consistent participation in prominent conferences such as CHoPS and OpenFOAM Workshops, where he has presented novel simulation and modeling research, further enhances his professional recognition. These achievements highlight his role as a promising and globally oriented researcher in the field of mechanical and materials engineering.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Lorenzo Pedrolli possesses a robust and multifaceted research skill set centered on simulation, experimental mechanics, and advanced modeling techniques. He is highly proficient in CFD and DEM modeling, using tools such as OpenFOAM to simulate complex gas-particle flows. His expertise extends to MP-PIC (Multiphase Particle-in-Cell) calibration and validation for additive manufacturing applications. He has developed and utilized kinetic adhesion tests to determine particle surface energy, showcasing both experimental design and analytical capabilities. With a solid grasp of mechatronic system design and mechanical optimization, he excels at translating theoretical models into real-world engineering solutions. His research skills are further complemented by his competence in programming, system integration, and data analysis. Additionally, he has hands-on experience in hardware prototyping and LEAN engineering methodologies. Combined with strong academic writing and scientific communication skills, Dr. Pedrolli’s research abilities position him as a dynamic contributor to innovation in particulate systems and advanced manufacturing.
Conclusion💡
Dr. Lorenzo Pedrolli is a highly promising and accomplished early-career researcher whose strong publication record, international conference presence, applied research background, and academic involvement make him a suitable and competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: Shape optimization of a metallic flywheel using an evolutive system method: Design of an asymmetrical shape for mechanical interface
Authors: L. Pedrolli, A. Zanfei, S. Ancellotti, V. Fontanari, M. Benedetti
Year: 2018
Citations: 12
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Title: Comparison of CFD-DEM and MP-PIC in the Simulation of Metal Powder Conveying for Laser Metal Deposition
Authors: L. Pedrolli, B.A. Menor, I.M. de Arenaza, A. Lopez
Year: 2024
Citations: 5
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Title: Kinetic adhesion test to determine particle surface energy
Authors: L. Pedrolli, S. Nadimi, S. Maramizonouz, B.A. Menor, A. López
Year: 2023
Citations: 5
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Title: Estimation of mesoscale surface energy in the kinetic adhesion test
Authors: L. Pedrolli, S. Nadimi, B. Achiaga, A. López
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
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Title: High-speed video recordings of metal powder pneumatic conveying in thin capillary pipes
Authors: L. Pedrolli, L. Fraccarollo, B. Achiaga, A. Lopez
Year: 2025
Citations: 1
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Title: Caracterización avanzada de polvos
Authors: B.A. Menor, B. Betto, V. Giraldi, L. Pedrolli, A. López
Year: 2025
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Title: Análisis de estructuras autoportantes en la tecnología aditiva fusión láser de lecho de polvo LPBF
Authors: M.Á. Jankowski, L. Pedrolli, A. López, B. Ach
Year: 2025
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Title: Optical Particle Tracking in the Pneumatic Conveying of Metal Powders through a Thin Capillary Pipe
Authors: L. Pedrolli, L. Fraccarollo, B. Achiaga, A. Lopez
Year: 2024
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Title: CFD-DEM Study of metallic powder flow in laser metal deposition
Author: L. Pedrolli
Year: 2024