Professor
University of Idaho
Dr. Karl Rink received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota in 1983, his Master of Science in Engineering from Purdue University in 1986 and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1994 from the University of Utah. Subsequently, Dr. Rink was employed by Morton International Automotive Safety Products (later to become Autoliv ASP) where he was responsible for the development of innovative gaseous, liquid, and hybrid airbag inflation technologies. His work in airbag technology has led to 45 U.S. patents – one of which that resulted in the 2000 PACE award. In his current role of Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho, Dr. Rink’s research is focused on the reliability and performance of energetic materials and components, such as pyrotechnic bridge-wire initiators, detonators, and primers. Dr. Rink is active in a number of technical societies including the Combustion Institute, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American Institute ofAeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), where he serves as a member of the Technical Committee on Energetic Systems and Components. Dr. Rink is the author of numerous publications concerning combustion and sprays, confined explosions, and energetic devices, and he was named an Outstanding Mechanical Engineer by Purdue University in the year 2000.