Frediano Bracco, professor emeritus of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton, died Sept. 3, 2013. He was 76.
Born in Italy, Bracco graduated from the University of Bologna in 1961 with a mechanical engineering degree. In 1964, he received a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He earned a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton in 1970.
Bracco was a member of Princeton’s professional research staff from 1970 to 1973, when he transferred to the faculty as an assistant professor. He rose to full professor in 1983, and retired in 2005. His major research efforts dealt with the internal-combustion engine, which led to significant improvements in engine design and operation throughout the industry.
Bracco established the Engines and Sprays Laboratory, which he headed until 1996. This Princeton laboratory was internationally known for its contributions to spray and combustion research, and for the development of advanced measurement and computational tools to investigate in-cylinder processes in engines.
Bracco authored or co-authored more than 200 publications. The Society of Automotive Engineers honored him with several awards.
He is survived by his wife, Connie. Princeton flew its flag at half-staff over East Pyne in his memory.
Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.