Professor
University of Idaho
Dr. Karl Rink received his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota in 1983, M.S. in Engineering from Purdue University in 1986, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah in 1994. As an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho, Dr. Rink's research is focused on the physics of confined explosions and detonations and, in particular, the reliability and performance of energetic materials and components. Dr. Rink currently holds 48 U.S. patents related to airbag technology and he serves as Vice-Chair of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Energetic Systems and Components technical committee. In 2000, Karl was named an Outstanding Mechanical Engineer by Purdue University.