For his outstanding contribution to the science and technology of tribology.
Professor Roberto Bassani was born in Treviso in 1931. He began his university career in 1963 at the Engineering Faculty of the University of Pisa. In 1972 he became a lecturer of mechanical engineering at the same university and in 1976 won the open competition for the Chair in this subject, of which he is a full professor.
The range of Professor Bassani’s research activities have been immense, covering much of the field of tribology. His research on static and dynamic analysis of high-speed hydrostatic bearings, his work on space and cryogenic applications and on bearings in extreme conditions, including the effects of lubricant starvation and the role of advanced materials and coatings and lubrication with special lubricants, have been outstanding. His work on the optimisation and application to equipment operating at very low friction, and his research on thermo hydrodynamic behaviour of axial hydrostatic bearings are of the highest standard.
In the field of elastohydrodynamic lubrication Professor Bassani has advanced knowledge of the pressure-film thickness correlation and mixed and boundary lubrication. He outstandingly contributed to the knowledge of fractal models, chaos and the influence of micro morphology on the tribological behaviour of polymers.
His applied research covered flow self-regulating bearings with infinite stiffness, self-regulated hydrostatic opposed pad bearings and their application to slides of machine tools and hydraulic actuators, radial axial bearings used with liquid oxygen and their application to space missiles.
His research encompassing the field of biotribology, nanotribology and passive magnetic levitation, for aerospace and railway applications, as well as on magnetic bearing stability, are examples of his propensity for looking towards the future.
In addition to his research work, Professor Bassani’s great merits were his ability to seek out and recognise new developments and new applications, and his tireless promotion of the subject of Tribology, both in Italy and internationally.
His influence on the public and private sector has been considerable. His capability of solving tribological industrial problems led to commissions from MURST (Italian Ministry of University and Research), CNR (Italian National Research Council), NIRA (Nuclear Engineering), ENEA (Italian National Commission for Atomic Energy), CEE (European Economic Community), Avio Group, Ferrari (racing cars), Siemens VDO, SKF, Solvay, ENEL (Italian Electric Agency), ENI (Italian Hydrocarbon Agency) and CERAMICHE (Italian Ceramics Institute).
Professor Bassani established the Tribology Group of AIMETA (Associazione Italiana di Meccanica Teortica ed Applicata, one of the most important academic associations in Italy), the Tribology Group at CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), and the Tribology Commission of UNI (Ente Italiano di Standardizzazione). In this he was again a strong promoter of academia – industry co-operation in the field of tribology.
Professor Bassani has produced more than 250 papers, published in national and international journals or presented at national and international conferences. He has organised international and national conferences on mechanical engineering. He is an author of three monographs on tribology: hydrostatic lubrication, elementi di tribologia and the new section of - tribologia - of the Italian handbook for engineers.
In 2005 Professor Bassani became the first President of the Italian Association of Tribology (AIT) which he was instrumental in founding. AIT encompasses academia associations and important industries, a combination regarded by many as a right formula for the promotion of the science and technology of tribology and industrial applications in the twenty-first century.
His outstanding achievements and their international recognition, make Professor Bassani a worthy recipient of Tribology’s Highest Award for 2006, the Tribology Gold Medal.