Chiara Bertuccioli
Research Engineer
London,United Kingdom
Summary
EngIneer and Materials Scientist with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London. Possessing over five years of experience in tribology, failure analysis, and materials characterization, I have developed a profound understanding of rolling contact fatigue (RCF), wear mechanisms, fracture mechanics, and corrosion. Expertise extends to advanced microscopy techniques such as SEM, FIB, TEM, EDS, EBSD as well as mechanical testing methods. Strong background in research, consulting, and project management equips me to tackle complex engineering challenges and deliver innovative solutions.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Research Engineer
Caterpillar Inc.
Peterborough, United Kingdom
08.2022 - Current
- Lead in-situ characterisation program managing people, resources, finances and conduct design reviews and stakeholder meetings.
- Conduct data identification and testing for the implementation of advanced monitoring tools for a £500K project.
- Delivered presentations to clients and stakeholders, directly contributing to new business acquisition and team growth.
- Develop and scope research projects to optimise component longevity and efficiency reducing machine downtime.
- Provide technical consulting on failures and surface engineering solutions such as change of gear configuration to reduce shear thinning.
Doctoral Researcher
Imperial College
London, United Kingdom
10.2018 - 09.2023
- Led a research project (£300K ca.) on the influence of material microstructure on crack growth under rolling contact fatigue (RCF).
- Developed advanced methodologies for crack morphology investigation using electron microscopy techniques and statistical techniques to analyze complex datasets.
- Increased research efficiency by increasing test specimens lifecycle efficiency by 20%.
- Mentored junior researchers, providing guidance on study design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.
- Presented research findings to SKF leadership for potential integration into ongoing studies and future project proposals.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, showcasing expertise and fostering professional connections.
Research Fellow
University of Bologna
Bologna, Italy
05.2017 - 10.2018
- Conducted tribological studies to enhance friction and wear performance of engineering surfaces for various application such as motorsport with Ducati and high precision mesurement instuments with Marposs.
- Designed and executed customised tribological testing protocols including adhesion and mechanical durability tests for motosport coatings and coatings for electrical applications.
- Analysed surface modifications and coatings to optimise performance in high-stress environments such as pharmaceutical production.
- Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations using SEM, FIB, TEM, EDS, and XRD.
Visiting Researcher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, Massachussets
09.2016 - 02.2017
- Designed and characterized an interlayer for metallurgical bonding of steel and aluminum using cold spray titanium technology.
- Conducted thermodynamic simulations to optimise the strength of the metallurgical bond through the creation of selected intermetallics.s
- Surface preparation and metallographic analysis using SEM, XRD, EBSD and EDS.
Education
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
Imperial College London
United Kingdom 10.2018 - 09.2025
MSc - Nuclear And Energy Engineering
University of Bologna
Italy 10.2014 - 03.2017
BSc - Nuclear And Energy Engineering
University of Bologna
Italy 10.2010 - 03.2014
Skills
Staff leadership
Procedural design
Laboratory experiments
Written/Verbal communication
Team collaboration
Research presentation
Root-cause analysis
Research and analysis
Project management
Image processing
Cost reduction
Data analysis
Characteristic analyses
Technical documentation
COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP
STLE Orlando, USA - 2022
- Presented research on crack growth under rolling contact fatigue on conventional bearing steels and super nickel alloy Inconel 718.
International Tribology Conference Japan - 2019
- Presented research on the investigation into the influence of material microstructure on crack growth under RCF.
National Conference AIM Italy - 2018
- Presented findings on plasma electrolytic surface oxidation treatments on orthopedic alloys.
- Two posters: one on graphene-based coatings and one on the optimization of bronze-steel contact in tribosystems for the automatic machine industry.
Material Science & Technology USA - 2017
- Poster on the microstructural development of the metallurgical bond for cast-in ferrous inserts.
Technical Skills
- Materials Characterisation: SEM, FIB, EDX, EBSD, XRD, Optical microscopy, mechanical testing, tribological testing.
- Tribology & Failure Analysis: Rolling contact fatigue, Wear mechanisms, Surface engineering, Adhesion testing.
- Software & Simulations:Microsoft Office Package, Matlab, basic knowledge of: Thermoflex, Thermo-Calc, CAD Systems
- Project Management & Consulting: Research planning, technical reporting, cross-functional collaboration.
Affiliations
- Member of the organising committee of TriboUK Conference 2022.
- Volunteer at New Scientist Live 2019 Showcase, London, UK.
- Volunteer in the social cooperative T41B, Pesaro, Italy.
Timeline
Research Engineer
Caterpillar Inc.
08.2022 - Current
Doctoral Researcher
Imperial College
10.2018 - 09.2023
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
Imperial College London
10.2018 - 09.2025
Research Fellow
University of Bologna
05.2017 - 10.2018
Visiting Researcher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
09.2016 - 02.2017
MSc - Nuclear And Energy Engineering
University of Bologna
10.2014 - 03.2017
BSc - Nuclear And Energy Engineering
University of Bologna
10.2010 - 03.2014
Similar Profiles
Clay LayneClay Layne
Waste Industry Application Specialist at Caterpillar Inc.Waste Industry Application Specialist at Caterpillar Inc.
KELLY M. KHANKELLY M. KHAN
Human Resources Representative (Contract) at Caterpillar Inc.Human Resources Representative (Contract) at Caterpillar Inc.
Bryan CiesielskiBryan Ciesielski
Senior Total Rewards Partner at Caterpillar Inc.Senior Total Rewards Partner at Caterpillar Inc.