Ettore Funaioli
Ettore Funaioli (Siena 1923 - Bologna 2006) was Professor of Applied Mechanics of Machines at the University of Bologna from 1958 to 1995.
He graduated in Engineering from the University of Pisa, where he then began his brilliant university career. In 1954 he began teaching Applied Mechanics of Machines, and in 1956 he won the competition for the chair of that subject at the University of Cagliari. In 1958 he was called to Bologna to take the Chair of Applied Mechanics of Machines in the Faculty of Engineering, and held this position until his retirement, when he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus.
He was Director of the Institute of Applied Mechanics of Machines until it merged with the Department of Mechanical, Nuclear, Aeronautical and Metallurgical Engineering (DIEM), of which he was the first Director. He held numerous academic posts, including: member of the Coordination Committees of the University of Calabria and the Faculty of Engineering of Forlì, as well as Pro-chancellor of the University of Bologna. He was a Benedictine Academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna. In 1979, he was awarded the first class diploma for services to the school, culture and art. He was one of the founding members of the Italian Association of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (AIMETA).
His scientific production initially focused on aeronautics and aerodynamics. Subsequently, he worked brilliantly on lubrication, mechanisms and their components, and machine dynamics. He always paid great attention to passing on his knowledge to his students, engaging with them with seriousness, honesty and professional commitment.
Ettore Funaioli's commitment to teaching was extraordinary and without reservation, as can be seen in his well-known book Lessons of Applied Mechanics of Machines.
Those who knew him were struck by his warm, benevolent friendliness. Those who had the privilege to work with him appreciated both his sharp wit and his understanding and solidarity outside the professional sphere.