# Lorenzo Cappello

**Aeronautical Engineer / Aerospace Enthusiast / Creator**

Brisbane, Australia

## About

I am an Aeronautical Engineer with a passion for aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, propulsion systems, and sustainable aviation. I hold a Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering, specialising in aeroelastic aircraft wing analysis, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aviation, focusing on aviation climate impact assessment methodologies. I am fluent in Italian, English, and German, with working proficiency in Spanish and basic proficiency in French.

I bring a solution-oriented approach to projects, whether in aircraft design, flight testing, or operational processes. My goal is to contribute to the design and development of aerospace concepts and propulsion technologies that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of future systems through a combination of modelling, design, and testing.

**Downloads:**
- [Résumé (PDF)](/download/resume-lorenzo-cappello.pdf)
- [Portfolio (PDF)](/download/portfolio-lorenzo-cappello.pdf)

## Education

### MSc in Engineering
Zurich University of Applied Sciences – Centre for Aviation, Sept 2023 – Feb 2025

Specialisation in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering. Thesis: Aeroelastic Model Development and Analysis of Flexible Wings: A Multi-Fidelity Approach. GPA: 5.3/6

### BSc in Aviation (Aeronautical Engineering)
Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Sept 2020 – July 2023

Thesis: Climate Impact Assessment of Single Flights: Quantification of non-CO2 Emission Effects. GPA: 5.3/6 (Grade A). Degree accredited by Engineers Australia (Professional Engineer).

### Griffith University – Nathan Campus
Semester Abroad, 2022 · Brisbane, Australia

Academic Excellence Award. GPA: 7/7

## Work Experience

### Research Assistant – Centre for Aviation
Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Oct 2024 – Feb 2025

Developed interactive aerodynamics and flight mechanics content for incoming Aeronautical Engineering students, creating scripts, animations, and exercises for fundamental concepts. Created interactive content for fundamental aerodynamics concepts, flight mechanics educational materials and animations, propulsion system concept exercises, and assessment design and course material development.

### Aircraft Maintenance and Ground Handling Intern
Motorfluggruppe Zürich, June 2019 – May 2020

Completed a one-year internship at Zurich Airport, assisting in routine piston aircraft maintenance, ground handling activities, and gaining hands-on experience in aviation operations. Mastered aircraft inspection following checklists, developed strong safety awareness, and learnt how to safely tow aircraft of different sizes and configurations.

## Skills & Expertise

### Engineering
- Aeroelastic Modelling
- Fluid-Structure Interaction
- CFD & Aerodynamics
- Flight Testing
- Wind Tunnel Testing
- Structural Mechanics
- Finite Element Analysis
- Dynamic Systems Modelling
- Aircraft Design
- Propulsion System Design
- Aircraft Systems Analysis
- Aircraft Climate Impact Assessment
- Statistical Analysis

### Software & Programming
- Python
- MATLAB
- R
- SQL
- ANSYS (Fluent, CFX, Mechanical)
- SHARPy
- COMSOL Multiphysics
- OpenFOAM
- Fidelity Pointwise
- ParaView
- CAD (Autodesk Fusion, CATIA)
- Microsoft Excel

### Professional
- Software Development
- Risk Assessment
- Security Management
- Project Planning
- Problem Decomposition
- Technical Documentation
- Technical Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving

### Languages
- Italian (Native)
- German (Native)
- English (PTE 90/90, Cambridge Grade A)
- Spanish (B1)
- French (A1)

## Engineering Projects

### Aeroelastic Model Development and Analysis of Flexible Wings
Master's Thesis, 2024-2025

Developed a Python-based computational tool for aeroelastic analysis of lifting surfaces in conceptual and preliminary design, addressing the growing importance of aeroelastic effects with high-aspect-ratio wings and composite materials. The solver couples two aerodynamic and two structural solvers through a two-way coupling approach, validated using the benchmark Pazy Wing and compared against SHARPy and ANSYS Fluent/Mechanical. Technologies: Lifting-line theory, structural beam model, vortex-lattice method, finite-element analysis, computational fluid dynamics.

### Aircraft Angle of Attack Estimation Using an IMU
Flight Test Project, 2024

Developed and validated a MATLAB-based algorithm to estimate aircraft angle of attack using data from an Inertial Measurement Unit and a Garmin G5 flight instrument, tested during a flight campaign in Nordholz, Germany in August 2024. Technologies: Linearised aircraft equations of motion, Garmin and SBG inertial measurement units, flight test cards.

### Climate Impact Assessment of Single Flights
Bachelor Thesis, 2023

Developed an Excel-based tool for estimating the climate impact of single flights, including both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions. The tool encompasses a database of global airports, aircraft types, and engine models, and calculates flight-specific emissions and their contribution to global warming using different climate metrics. Technologies: Boeing fuel-flow method, nvPM estimation methodology, global warming potential, jet engine combustion model.

## Certifications, Licences & Awards

### Certifications
- Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control (Coursera, 2025)
- AI for Mechanical Engineers (Coursera, 2025)
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera, 2025)
- Siemens Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (Coursera, 2025)
- Python Programming & Tkinter GUI (Programmieren Starten, 2023)

### Licences
- Swiss Private Pilot Licence – SEP (Issued 2021)
- Open Driver's Licence

### Awards
Academic Excellence Award for best aggregate result in course Airways Operation & Design at Griffith University (2022)

## Hobbies

- **Flying**: Single Engine Piston Private Pilot Licence
- **Chess**: University of Queensland Chess Club
- **Other Interests**: Hiking, snorkelling, playing tennis, cooking, reading
- **Volunteering**: NaturallyGC – Wildlife tree planting and pest fishing

## Contact

- Email: contact@lorenzocappello.com
- Phone: +61 494 396 839
- LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-cappello-825650234](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-cappello-825650234/)
- GitHub: [github.com/LOMACA](https://github.com/LOMACA)
- ORCID: [orcid.org/0009-0003-1236-7379](https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1236-7379)
- Instagram: [instagram.com/lorenzo._cappello](https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo._cappello/)