Establishing vehicle dynamics analysis as a new core simulation activity within Ducati’s R&D. Definition of numerical and experimental methodologies to improve motorcycle dynamic performances. Development of dedicated tools for vehicle conceptual studies, implementation of best practices within both vehicle design and testing depts. Development of signal processing techniques and tools for the analysis of experimental results, especially concerning vehicle dynamics and vibrations. Supporting vehicle testing dept in vehicle dynamics and durability test plan definition and execution. Performing benchmarking studies against competition. Presenting results directly to top management.

Responsible for engine intake and exhaust system analysis, performing fluid dynamics, structural, vibro-acoustic simulations, and ensuring that bike’s intake and exhaust systems meet project requirements in terms of engine performance, noise, durability. From 2013, coordinating a small analysis team. Supporting the design from concept to physical prototypes, and cooperating with engine and vehicle testing depts for development activities: engine test-bed measurements, pass-by noise testing, sound quality assessment, vibration testing. Ramping up aerodynamics simulation activities through internal projects within VW Group.

Performing research activity in the field of multibody dynamics, particularly concerning flexible component modelling and model reduction. In this context, developed a novel component mode selection procedure allowing an assessment of the accuracy of the reduced models prior to the nonlinear simulation phase. This technique, combined with a procedure developed to alleviate the effects of modal truncation, allows substantial reduction of computational costs with minor impacts on accuracy. The developed concepts and methods have been tested onto a model of a high-revving motorcycle engine cranktrain. Involved in a number of consulting activities in structural dynamics, concerning both numerical and experimental analyses. Supervising students in their dissertation-related research activities. Published several conference and journal papers:https://scholar.google.it/scholar?hl=it&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=ricci+cranktrain&btnG=

Developed the “virtual shaker testing” approach, consisting in implementation and validation through HIL testing of closed loop vibration control algorithms, coupled with both a lumped parameter model of an electrodynamic shaker and a structural dynamics model of the test specimen (e.g. a satellite), allowing the verification of control performances in presence of nonlinearities prior to the physical test execution. Cooperating with aerospace business unit and sales department for pre-sales activities. Project member in the "Smart Structures" Marie Curie Project - Research Training Network funded under the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission.Published several conference papers:https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_vis=0&q=allintitle:+%22virtual+shaker+testing%22+author:ricci-s&hl=it&as_sdt=0,5

Developed a multibody model of a parallel robot and its position control algorithm, performed dedicated testing onto the virtual model through SIL simulation, implemented the controller and tested it onto the physical prototype. Published a conference paper:https://scholar.google.it/scholar?hl=it&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=ricci+parallel+robot+i.ca.ro.&btnG=