RICHARD
K. KUNZ, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
School
of Engineering
Mercer
University
1400
Coleman Ave
Macon
, GA 31207
(478)
301-4061
kunz_rk@mercer.edu
EDUCATION
Doctor
of Philosophy in Engineering Science and Mechanics
Georgia
Institute of Technology September
1978
- Dissertation
title: “The Pressure Field Generated by a Fluid Film Entrained Between Two
Non-Conforming Elastic Bodies”
- Dissertation
directed by G. M. Rentzepis
Master
of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Georgia
Institute of Technology December 1974
- Thesis
Title: “Thermal and Traction Behavior in Sliding Elastohydrodynamic Contacts”
- Thesis
directed by W. O. Winer
Bachelor
of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Cornell
University January 1974
PROFESSIONAL
REGISTRATION AND SECURITY CLEARANCE
- Registered
Professional Engineer, State of Utah , License No. 5565141-2202
- DoD
Secret Clearance, 2004
TECHNICAL
SKILLS
- Experienced using Abaqus, I-DEAS,
Mathematica, Visual Basic for Applications, Fortran
- Hands-on experience in product development
cycle including concept, design, analysis, tooling, prototype fabrication,
qualification testing
- Experienced in technical marketing
and proposal development
- Extensive background in structural
analysis methods development applicable to a wide variety of material systems,
including fiber composites, elastomers, and solid propellant
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
Mercer
Engineering Research Center
– Warner Robins , GA 2006 – 2010
Faculty
Consultant – Applied Mechanics
- Evaluated structural requirements
of and performed material trade studies for potential replacement material
systems for honeycomb sandwich structure on C-5 aircraft
- Performed finite element modeling
of C-5 aircraft
- Performed thermal/structural finite
element analysis of C-130 IR shield components
- Performed finite element modeling of C-130 center wing structure strain
gage correlation
ATK
Thiokol, Inc. - Brigham City , UT
1991 - 2006
Senior
Staff Engineer/Scientist - Design and Analysis
- Had
primary engineering responsibility for technology development and international
marketing of predictive age-life evaluation programs for solid propellant
rocket motors
- Served
as Principal Investigator on U.S. Government programs investigating cumulative
damage, nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive behavior, failure and fracture
of solid rocket propellant and bondline systems.
- Designed
and developed a unique non-cylindrical composite pressure vessel for which
a U.S. Patent and several foreign patents were issued. Served as Principal
Investigator on several government- and internally-funded programs for research
and development of composite conformable pressure vessels for alternative-fuel
vehicles.
- Developed
material characterization and hyperelastic analysis methods for elastomeric
structures
Lockheed
Aeronautical Systems Company - Burbank , CA
1988 - 1991
Design
Specialist, Senior - Advanced Composite Structures
- Performed
composite structural analysis methods development and research on composite
materials and structures
- Technical
Proposal Manager for Advanced Composites Technology Program for which Lockheed
was awarded $9.5M by NASA Langley Research Center
- Program
Manager for NASA Contract NAS1-17925, "Failure Analysis and Damage Tolerance
of Composite Aircraft Structures"
- Principal
Investigator on NASA contract NAS1-15949, Task 22, "Analysis and Sizing
of Postbuckled Stiffened Composite Panels"
- Performed
research on local stability of composite sandwich structures
Lockheed
Aeronautical Systems Company - Marietta ,
GA 1985 - 1988
Specialist
Engineer - Advanced Structures
- Performed
composite structural analysis methods development and research on composite
materials and structures
- Principal
Investigator of Independent Research Project - Application of Expert Systems
to Composite Design
- Research
on residual thermal stresses in composite laminates, postbuckling of laminated
plates, micromechanics of metal matrix composites
Lockheed-Georgia
Company 1984 - 1985
Consultant
- Advanced Structures
- Performed research in areas of micromechanics
of discontinuous fiber composites and active vibration control
Lockheed-Georgia
Company Summer 1984
College
Faculty Associate - Advanced Structures
- Performed research in micromechanics
of short-fiber reinforced composites
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Mercer
University
– Macon, GA 2006 – present
Associate
Professor – Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- Undergraduate courses taught:
Statics/Solid
Mechanics
Dynamics
Manufacturing Practices
Solid
Mechanics III
Flight Structures
Senior Design I, II
- Graduate courses taught
Laminated Composites
Applied Elasticity
Continuum Mechanics
Georgia
Institute of Technology - Atlanta , GA 1978
- 1985
Assistant
Professor – School of Engineering Science and Mechanics
- Undergraduate courses taught
Statics
Dynamics
Mechanics
of Deformable Bodies
Mechanics
of Materials (for students in College of Architecture )
- Graduate
courses taught
Advanced
Strength of Materials
Applied
Elasticity I, II
Analytical
Fracture Mechanics
- Performed research in areas of impact-induced
delamination in composite laminates; mechanics of adhesion; mechanics of elastohydrodynamic
lubrication
- Secured external research funding
from Lockheed-Georgia Co., Continental Forest Industries, National Science
Foundation
- Provided guidance and supervision
to undergraduate and graduate students, including 4 M.S. Theses
AWARDS
- Mercer University School of Engineering 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year
- Team
Recognition Award, CDA Program, Thiokol, October 2001
- Team
Recognition Award, PSTA Program, Thiokol, July 2000
- Solid
Contributor Award, Nissan Airship Proposal, Thiokol, January 1999
- Recognition
for Contribution to Castor 120 Motor Program, March, 1998
- Outstanding
Contribution Award, Thiokol Science and Engineering, October, 1995.
-
Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award, Society of Automotive Engineers,
1981
- Advisor's
Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research in Engineering , Georgia Tech
Chapter of Sigma Xi, 1981.
- Award
for Outstanding Doctoral Research in Engineering , Georgia Tech Chapter of
Sigma Xi., 1979.
-
National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow, 1975-1978.
PROFESSIONAL
ACTIVITIES
PUBLICATIONS
IN JOURNALS AND PROCEEDINGS
- R. K. Kunz, “Characterization of
Solid Propellant for Linear Cumulative Damage Modeling,” Paper No. AIAA-2009-5257,
Proceedings, 45 th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit,
Denver, CO, August 2009.
- R. K. Kunz, “Manufacturing Practices:
A Hands-On Course in Metalworking for Engineering Undergraduates,” Proceedings,
ASEE Southeastern Section Annual Conference, Marietta, GA, April 2009
- C. N. Yarborough, E. M. Childress,
R. K. Kunz, “Shape Recovery and Mechanical Properties of Shape Memory Composites,”
Proceedings of IMECE 2008, 2008 ASME International Mechanical Engineering
Conference and Exposition, Boston, MA, November 2008.
- R. K. Kunz, “Continuum Damage Mechanics
Modeling of Solid Propellant,” Paper No. AIAA-2008-4973, Proceedings, 44th
AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, Hartford , CT
, July 2008.
- R. K. Kunz, “Connecting Industry Experience
with Classroom Instruction,” Proceedings, ASEE Southeastern Section Annual
Conference, Memphis , TN , April 2008
- R.
P. Graham and R. K. Kunz, “Specimen Optimization by Analysis and Testing,
Part I: Analysis,” Proceedings, JANNAF 38 th Structures and Mechanical Behavior
Subcommittee Meeting, Newport, RI , March 2007.
- R.
P. Graham, M. K. Tavoian, and R. K. Kunz, “Specimen Optimization by Analysis
and Testing, Part II: Testing,” Proceedings, JANNAF 38 th Structures and Mechanical
Behavior Subcommittee Meeting, Newport , RI , March 2007
- C.
A. Rotz and R. K. Kunz, “Efficient Formulation of the Generalized Method of
Cells for Solid Propellant Constitutive Modeling,” Proceedings, Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air
Force (JANNAF) 37 th Structures and Mechanical Behavior Subcommittee Meeting,
San Diego, CA, Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, Johns Hopkins University,
Nov. 2005.
- R.
S. Hyde, R. P. Graham, .R. K. Kunz, I. L. Davis, T.
E. Doyle, and J. W. Burns, “ Service Life Prediction
Technology Program Results Overview,” Proceedings, Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air
Force (JANNAF) 36 th Structures and Mechanical Behavior Subcommittee Meeting,
New Orleans, LA, Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, Johns Hopkins University,
Mar. 2004.
- R.
K. Kunz, K. L. Laheru, “Bondline General Failure Criterion,” Proceedings,
Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) 35 th Structures and Mechanical Behavior
Subcommittee Meeting, San Antonio, TX, Chemical Propulsion Information Agency,
Johns Hopkins University, Aug. 2002.
-
K. L. Laheru, R. K. Kunz, “Wedge Specimens Under Simultaneous
Straining and Cooling,” AIAA Paper No. 2001-3286, 37 th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE
Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, Salt Lake City, UT, July 8-11, 2001.
- K.
L. Laheru, R. K. Kunz, “Propellant 3-D Specimen Under Simultaneous Straining
and Cooling,” Proceedings, 50th JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Salt Lake City,
UT, CPIA Publication 705, Vol. II pp. 585-594, Chemical Propulsion Information
Agency, Johns Hopkins University, July, 2001.
- R.
K. Kunz, R. P. Golde, B. M. McQuivey, “High Pressure Conformable Hydrogen
Storage for Fuel Cell Vehicles,” Proceedings, 10 th Annual U.S. Hydrogen Meeting
and Exhibition, Vienna, VA, April 7-9, 1999, sponsored by National Hydrogen
Association.
- R.
P. Golde, R. K. Kunz, M. J. Warner, “The Shape of Things to Come,” SAMPE Journal,
March/April 1999.
- R.
K. Kunz, R. P. Golde, “Conformable Natural Gas Storage Technologies,” Proceedings,
Annual Automotive Technology Development Customers' Coordination Meeting,
Vol. III, pp. 541-551, Dearborn, MI, October 1997.
- M.
D. Blair, R. K. Kunz, M. J. Warner, K Davis , E. Wolcott, D. Turner, J Bennett,
“Composite Conformable Pressure Vessel,” U.S. Patent No. 5,577,630, US Patent
and Trademark Office, November 1996.
- R.
K. Kunz, L. J. Johnson, M. D. Blair, “Conformable Tanks for Natural Gas Storage,”
Proceedings, Annual Automotive Technology Development Customers' Coordination
Meeting, Vol. III, Dearborn , MI , October 1996.
- R.
K. Kunz, M. D. Blair, M. J. Warner, R. P. Graham, “Conformable Pressurized
Fuel Storage for Increased Vehicle Range,” SAE Paper No. 961673, from Design
Innovations in Alternative Fuels Technologies (SP-1186), Society of Automotive
Engineers, August 1996.
-
J. W. Sinclair, D. G. Shook, M. C. Hawkins, R. K. Kunz, “Propellant-Case
Interface Technology Program II. Chemical-Mechanical P/L/I Properties”, 1993
JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Monterey, CA, CPIA Publication 602, Vol. III, pp.
15-24, Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, Johns Hopkins University, November
1993.
-
R. K. Kunz and J. C. Howes, “Characterization of Elastomers
for Nonlinear Flex Seal Analysis,” Proceedings, 1992 JANNAF Rocket Nozzle
Technology Subcommittee Meeting, Sunnyvale, CA, CPIA Publication 592, pp.
677-690, Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, Johns Hopkins University
December 1992.
- R.
K. Kunz, “Postbuckling of Stiffened Composite Plates Under Combined Loading,”
Proceedings, 8 th DoD/NASA/FAA Conference on Fibrous Composites in Structural
Design, 1989.
- R.
K. Kunz and G. M. Rentzepis, “Forced Penetration of Fluids into Porous Media
- One-Dimensional Case,” Proceedings of the Southeastern Conference on Theoretical
and Applied Mechanics, April 1986.
- R.
K. Kunz, “On the Determination of Transient Interlaminar Stresses in a Composite
Laminate Subject to Impact,” Mechanics Research Communications, Vol. 11, No.
3, May/June 1984, pp. 227-232.
- R.
K. Kunz and G. M. Rentzepis, “The Pressure Field in a Two-Dimensional Elastohydrodynamic
System,” Proceedings of the Ninth U.S. National Congress of Applied Mechanics,
Ithaca , NY , June 1982.
- R.
K. Kunz and G. M. Rentzepis, “The Stress Field Generated by a Cylinder Subject
to an EHD Process,” Proceedings of the 16 th Midwestern Mechanics Conference,
Manhattan , KS , September 1979.
- G.
M. Rentzepis and R. K. Kunz, “Dispersion of Plane Waves in Laminated Media,”
Proceedings of the 20 th AIAA Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials
Conference, St. Louis , MO , April 1979.
- R.
K. Kunz and W.O. Winer, “Prediction of Traction in Sliding EHD Contacts,”
Trans. ASME, Journal of Lubrication Technology, Series F, Vol. 98, p. 363,
1976.
INVITED
PRESENTATIONS
- R.
K. Kunz, K. L. Laheru, T. L. Hendrickson, “Propellant and Bondline Fracture
Mechanics in CDA,” JANNAF Service Life Panel Workshop, Wright-Patterson AFB,
Dayton , OH , November 2000
- R.
K. Kunz, R. P. Golde, "Conformable CNG Storage - The Shape of Things
to Come," 16 th National NGV Conference and Exhibition, Providence ,
RI , September 1998.
- R.
K. Kunz, R. P. Golde, “On-Board Hydrogen Storage for Fuel Cell Vehicles,”
M & P Issues for Hydrogen Systems panel, 43 rd International SAMPE Symposium
and Exhibition, Anaheim, CA, 31 May-4 June 1998.
- R.
K. Kunz, “ ‘Smart Tanks' for CNG Fuel Storage,” Gr/Ep Rocket Motor Case Experience
Sharing Meeting, Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA, May 5-7, 1998.
-
R. K. Kunz, “Conformable CNG Storage - The Shape of Things
to Come,” 15 th National NGV Conference and Exhibition, Salt Lake City , UT
, September 1997.
- R.
K. Kunz, “What's New in Compressed Natural Gas,” Idaho 's Clean Cities Workshop
and Exhibition, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, September 1996.
- R.
K. Kunz, “Hyperelastic Analysis of Elastomeric Bearings,” Utah State University
Graduate Seminar, February 1992.
- R.
K. Kunz and P. K. Willey, “LAMDA - The Laminate Design Assistant,” 1 st Annual
Lockheed Computer-Aided Engineering Symposium, October 1987.
- R.
K. Kunz, “Application of Expert Systems to Composite Design,” Lockheed Composites
Technology Symposium, Calabasas , CA , June 1987.
- R.
K. Kunz, R. E. Barrie, and P. K. Willey, “Potential Uses of Artificial Intelligence
in Composite Design and Manufacture,” 2 nd Annual Lockheed Artificial Intelligence
and Strategic Computing Symposium, Atlanta, GA, September 1986.
- R.
K. Kunz, “Micromechanics of Short-Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials,” Clemson
University Graduate Seminar, October 1986.
- R.
K. Kunz, “The Pressure Field Generated in an Elastohydrodynamic Process,”
University of Massachusetts Graduate Seminar, Amherst , MA , February 1978.
