Robert Michael

Senior Lecturer in Engineering

Office Location:

Burke 230

Phone:

(814) 898 6192

Email:

rxm61@psu.edu

Profile

Biography

Robert J. Michael, P.E. and Senior Lecturer for the School of Engineering at Penn State Behrend, obtained his B.S. degree from Akron University where he graduated summa cum laude and his M.S. degree from Case Western University. Mr. Michael is currently working towards his doctorate in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Case Western Reserve. He joined the faculty at Penn State Behrend in the fall of 1999 as a lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Technology department. Prior to his employment at Penn State Behrend, Mr. Michael spent several years in industry where he worked as an industrial product designer and aerospace product designer for LORD Corporation and general manager for National Tool and Equipment.

Courses taught include finite element analysis, material science, statics, strength of materials, materials lab, machine design, product design, production design, plastic design and FE analysis, and engineering graphics.
Research interests include design and optimization of elastomer components, elastomeric fatigue properties, hyperelastic modeling of elastomers, failure analysis of elastomeric components, seismic analysis of storage racks, experimental testing and characterization of materials and general machine design.
Engineering Consultant Ï provide consulting services to local industry. Services include: elastomeric product design and analysis, machine design, finite element analysis, solid modeling, vibration analysis and diagnostic testing.

Mr. Michael holds several patents and has several patents pending primarily in the area of noise and vibration isolation products. He is a licensed professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Teaching

Course Information and Office Hours

Courses for Spring 2012

Mechanical-Statics
Finite Element Analysis for Plastic Design

Courses taught

Strength and Properties of Materials
Strength and Properties of Materials Lab
Strength and Properties of Materials
Strength and Properties of Materials Lab
Finite Element Analysis for Plastic Design
Materials Engineering
Materials Engineering

Recipient of teaching awards

Recipient, School of Engineering Teaching Award, 2009.

Nominated, Council of Fellows Teaching Award, 2008-09.

Research

Research interests

Design and optimization of elastomeric components for noise, vibration and shock attenuation

FE analysis of elastomeric components (hyperelastic analysis, dynamic analysis, etc.)
Dynamic modeling of structures, vibration analysis and diagnostic testing.
Material selection and testing
General machine design
Forensic analysis

Research projects completed

Michael, R. J. [Principal Investigator], Static, Dynamic and Ultimate Testing of Dock Fender Mount, Principal Design and Development, Funding Source: Principal Design and Development, Sebring, FL, Applied Research and Design Center, $900, 2007.

Michael, R. J., and Sweeney, S. K. [Co-Investigators], Development of Structural Damper Utilizing Ultra-High-Damped Elastomer, Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance (PITA), with Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University and Corry Rubber Corporation, year three, $34,000, July 2004-June 2005.

Sweeney, S. K. [Principal Investigator], and Michael, R. J., Fatigue Testing of Titanium Alloys, Lord Corporation, $6,650, June 2005.

Michael, R. J., Static and Dynamic Stiffness Testing for Gear Shfit Isolator, GHSP, $1,548, March 2005.

Michael, R. M. [Principal Investigator], and Sweeney, S., Diagnostic Testing of Whirlpool Duet Washer, Corry Rubber Corporation, $800, October 2004.

Michael, R. M. [Principal Investigator], and Sweeney, S., Diagnostic Testing of Whirlpool Duet Washer, Corry Rubber Corporation, $1,800, February 2004.

Michael, R. M. [Principal Investigator], and Sweeney, S., MRI/RUI Proposal for Acquisition of MTS 810 TestStar IIs Material Testing System National Science Foundation, MRI, $244,595, 2003-2004.

Michael, R. M. [Principal Investigator], and Sweeney, S., Development of Structural Damper Utilizing Ultra High Damped Elastomer, Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance (PITA), $44,000.

Michael, R. M. [Principal Investigator], and Sweeney, S., Development of Structural Damper Utilizing Ultra High Damped Elastomer, PITA-IIS-027, $40,000, 2003.

Michael, R. M. [Principal Investigator], and Sweeney, S., Development of Structural Damper Utilizing Ultra High Damped Elastomer, PITA-IIS-027, $41,000, 2002.

Patents

U.S. Patent Application No. 12/890,654
Inventors: Robert J. Michael, Sam Simonsen, and Ryan P. O’Connor
Applicant: SorbaShock
Title: Flooring Apparatus and Systems for Improved Reduction of Impact Forces During a Fall
File Date: September 25, 2010

Provisional Patent Submitted
Inventors: Robert J. Michael, Chad Swope, David Yantek, Lynn Alcorn, Shawn Peterson, Ernie Ferro, and Adam Smith
Applicant: Kennametal
Title: Isolation Systems and Noise Controls for Underground Drilling Machines
File Date: June 2010

Invention Record Filed
Inventor(s): Robert J. Michael (primary)
Applicant: Kennametal
Title: Various Drill Bit Isolator Designs
File Date: December 2009

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/246,094
Inventor(s): Robert J. Michael (primary)
Applicant: SorbaShock
Title: Flooring Apparatus and Systems for Improved Reduction of Impact Forces During a Fall
Date: September 25, 2009

Invention Record Filed
Inventor(s): Robert J. Michael
Applicant: Corry Rubber Corporation
Title: Next Generation Bumper Guard for Storage Rack Protection
File Date: 2008

Invention Record Filed
Inventor(s): Robert J. Michael
Applicant: Whirlpool
Title: Vibration Isolator for Horizontal Washing Machines
File Date: 2008

European Patent No. 06024173.4-2425
Inventor(s): Robert Michael and William Galloway
Applicant: LORD Corporation
Title: Moving Tracks Dozer Equalizer Link Elastomeric Bearing Assembly and Associated Pin Structure
Date: 2007

U.S. Patent No. 7,263,806 B2 (also patented in Europe)
Inventor(s): John B. Pellegrino, James A. Courtwright, and Robert Michael
Applicant: Ridg-U-Rack, Inc.
Title: Storage Rack Vibration Isolators and Related Storage Racks
Date: September 4, 2007

U.S. Patent No. 7,249,442 B2 (also patented in Europe)
Inventor(s): John B. Pellegrino, James A. Courtwright, and Robert Michael
Applicant: Ridg-U-Rack, Inc.
Title: Storage Rack Vibration Isolators and Related Storage Racks
Date: July 31, 2007

U. S. Patent Application No. US2005/0257579 A1
Inventor(s): Daniel C. Conrad, Robert J. Michael, Mark M. Xie, and Ernest B. Ferro
Applicant: Whirlpool Patents Company
Title: Force Isolating Appliance
Date: November 2005

U.S. Patent Application Filed (not approved)
Inventor(s): Robert J. Michael and William Galloway
Applicant: LORD Corporation
Title: Elastomeric Pivot Shaft Bearing for D6-D11 Crawler Tractors
Date: 2004

International Patent No. WO 2004/052714 A1
Inventor(s): Robert Michael and William Galloway
Applicant: LORD Corporation
Title: Moving Tracks Dozer Equalizer Link Elastomeric Bearing Assembly
Date: June 24, 2004

U.S. Patent No. 6,659,438 B2
Inventor(s): Robert J. Michael, Peter D. Howorth, Atle Larsen, Troy P. Herbst, and Ulrich A. Kuester
Applicant: LORD Corporation
Title: Mount With Dual Stiffness
Date: December 9, 2003

U.S. Patent No. 5,881,822
Inventor(s): Robert A. Sienkiewycz and Robert J. Michael
Applicant: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
Title: Pneumatic Tool and Vibration Isolator Therefor
Date: March 16, 1999

U.S. Patent No. 5,813,477
Inventor(s): John D. Clay, Paul Bilodeau, and Robert J. Michael
Applicant: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company and LORD Corporation
Title: Vibration-Reduced Impact Tool and Vibration Isolator Therefor
Date: September 29, 1998

U.S. Patent No. 5,704,839
Inventor(s): Robert J. Michael, Andrew B. Swoyer, Jr., and Wallace C. Flower
Applicants: LORD Corporation
Title: Elastomeric Torsional Drive Coupling with Secondary Damping Element
Date: January 6, 1998

Publications

Articles published in refereed journals

Michael, R. J., Johnson, D., Yantek, D., Ferro, E., and Swope, C., “Development of Elastomeric Isolators to Reduce Roof Bolting Machine Drilling Noise,” Noise Control Engineering Journal (NCEJ), vol. 59, iss. 6, pp. 591-612, November 2011. [Principal author]

Edwards, R., Recktenwald, G., Kuntz, R. and Michael, R., “An Exercise to Teach the First Law of Thermodynamics for an Open System Using a Simple Hair Dryer,” the Technology Interface, The Electronic Journal for Engineering Technology (http://technologyinterface.nmsu.edu/Spring10/, peer reviewed, on-line journal), ISSN# 1523-9926, vol. 10, no. 3, 20 pp., Spring 2010.

Filiarault, A., Courtwright, J. A., Higgins, P. S., Michael, R. J., and Wanitkorkul, A., “Experimental seismic response of base isolated pallet-type steel storage racks,” Earthquake Spektra, (a peer reviewed Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Journal), Spring 2008.

Fisher, K. J., Lobaugh, M., Michael, R. M., Sweeney, S. K., and Kuvshinikov, P. J., “Development of a cost model for manual tool polishing,” The International Journal of Modern Engineering (http://www.ijme.us, an international peer reviewed online journal), Spring/Summer 2006.

Articles published in refereed proceedings

Nitterright, F., Michael, R. J., Murosky, C. J., and Ragen, M.A., “Undergraduate Design: Design of Reusable Stir Friction Welding Tools,” American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference and Exposition, 7 pp., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, June 2011. [Co-author, presented at conference by Nitteright]

Del Vecchio, R. J., Ferro, E., and Michael, R. J., “Effects of Variations in Vulcanization Systems in Natural Rubber,” RubberChem 2010, 8 pp., Vienna, Austria, November 30, 2010.

Michael, R. J., Courtwright, J. A., Ferro, E. B., Filiatrault, A., Higgins, P. S., and Wanitkorkul, A., “Development of a New Base Isolation System for Seismic Isolation of Steel Pallet Storage Racks,” Proceedings, 9th US National and 10th Canadian Conference on Earthquake Engineering (9USN10CEE), 10 pp., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 26, 2010.

Lowe, J., Peterson, S., Yantek, D., Alcorn, L., and Michael, R., “Less Sound Underground: Reducing Roof Bolting Machine Drilling Noise”, Proceedings, Acoustical Society of America, 159th Meeting Lay Language Papers (http://www.acoustics.org/press peer reviewed, on-line in World-Wide Press Room), Baltimore, MD, April 21, 2010.

Lowe, J., Peterson, S., Yantek, D., Alcorn, L., and Michael, R., “A Control Suite to Reduce Roof Bolting Machine Drilling Noise,” Noise-Con 2010, 12 pp., Baltimore, MD, April 19, 2010.

Michael, R. J., Yantek, D., Peterson, J., and Ferro, E., “The Evolution of Drill Bit and Chuck Isolators to Reduce Roof Bolting Machine Noise,” Proceedings, 2010 Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) Annual Meeting and Exhibition, 9 pp., Phoenix, AZ, March 2, 2010.

Zimmerman, J. J., Smith, A., Michael, R. J., and Kovalchik, P., “Modified Tail Section Reduces Noise on a Continuous Mining Machine,” Proceedings, 2010 Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) Annual Meeting and Exhibition, pp. 423-425, Phoenix, AZ, March 2, 2010.

Sweeney, S. K., and Michael, R. J., “Collaborative product realization of an innovative structural damper and application,” Proceedings of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress, IMECE2006-13421, 9 pp., November 2006.

Michael, R.J., Roth, D., and Rucksey, R., “The study of a neoprene elevator roller guide,” Proceedings of the ANSYS User’s Conference, 2003/2004.

Sweeney, S.K., and Michael, R.J., in “Collaborative development of a structural damper utilizing ultra-high damped elastomer,” Proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress, IMECE2003-42312, 7 pp., 2003.

Parts of books

Doyle, J. and Michael, R., Training Manual, ANSYS Mechanical Structural Nonlinearities, Release: 12.1, 1st Edition, Pittsburgh: ANSYS, Inc., February 2010. [Contributing author]

Articles published in nonrefereed journals

Michael, R. J., “Design Summary for All Back-up Chuck Isolators,” Technical design report detailing numerous options for pancake style chuck isolator used on drilling machines at chuck location to reduce noise, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh, PA, December 21, 2010.

Michael, R. J., “Design Review for QC-20377 1 3/8” Drill Bit Isolator,” National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)/Kennametal, Latrobe, PA, November 27, 2010.

Michael, R. J., “FE Analysis of Modified 50 Frame Vibrator,” JBT Food Services, Chicago, IL, November 14, 2010.

Michael, R. J., “Torsional Stiffness Requirement for Schaublin 477-1155,” Schaublin (Division of Heim Bearing), Horscham, PA, November 1, 2010.

Michael, R.J., “FE Analysis of Epoxy Housing,” PTC/Ansaldo, Pittsburgh, PA, April 29, 2010.

Michael, R. J., “Design and Analysis of Plastic Wheel for Shock Reducing Caster,” Jarvis Corporation, Middletown, CT, November 11, 2009.

Michael, R. J., “Analysis and Testing of GM Body Mount P/N 20898141,” Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, November 2009.

Michael, R. J., “Executive Summary: UltraTech 2.0 Design Review,” Technical report, detailing recommended materials for seals and other elastomeric components used in a remote control for a Jacuzzi, Emerson Electric, Columbus, OH, July 18, 2009.

Michael, R. J., “TPE Flex Coupler Review,” Technical assessment report, to determine feasibility of converting a elastomeric coupler (garbage disposal) from thermosetting nitrile to a lower cost thermal plastic urethane (TPU), Emerson Electric, Columbus, OH, July 10, 2009.

Michael, R. J., “Design and FE Analysis of 1” Drill Bit and Chuck Isolator for Noise Isolation,” National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh, PA, July 2009.

Michael, R. J., “Design and Analysis of a 90 mm High Capacity Elastomeric Laminated Bearing for European High Speed Train Application,” Heim Bearing, Horscham, PA, June 10, 2009.

Michael, R. J., “Development of Drill Bit Isolator for Underground Mining Operations,” National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh, PA, November 2008.

Michael, R. J., “Part 2: Design and FE Analysis of Enstrom Elastomeric Laminated Thrust Bearing,” SKF, Jamestown, NY, November 27, 2008.

Michael, R. J., “Design of Plastic Wheel for Shock Reducing Caster,” Jarvis Corporation/Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, May 2008.

Michael, R. J., “FEA of IAVO Striker in D21 Latch”, FEA of Redesigned Striker to Meet Current L/D Performance (of current design) in D21 Latch,” ITW/Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, April 2008.

Michael, R. J., “Design and FE Analysis of New Raptor Shock Reducing Caster,” Jarvis Corporation/Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, February 2008.

Michael, R. J., “Design and FE Analysis of Ford F150/F250 Striker Mount,” ITW/Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, October 2007.

Michael, R. J., “Design of Elastomeric Rod Ends for Boeing 777 Airframe,” Heim Bearing/Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, October 2007.

Michael, R. J., “Design of Elastomeric Rod Ends for Boeing 787 Airframe,” Heim Bearing/Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, October 2007.

Michael, R. J., “Design and FE Analysis of Ford F150/F250 Striker Mount,” ITW/Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, September 2007.

Michael, R. J., “Design and FE Analysis of Enstrom Elastomeric Laminated Thrust Bearing,” SKF, Jamestown, NY, August 2007.

Michael, R. J., “FE Analysis of Coupler (p/n 74140),” InSinkErator, Milwaukee, WI, April 2007.

Michael, R. J., “Design and Analysis of GMT 900 Stabilizer Bar Bushing,” Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, October 2004.

Michael, R. J., “Field Test Results for D6 E-Bar Bearing,” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, May 2004.

Michael, R. J., “Vibration Diagnostic Results for Whirlpool Duet Horizontal Washer,” Corry Rubber Corporation, Corry, PA, February 2004.

Michael, R. J., “Design of Caterpillar Elastomeric Bearing for D6 Equalizer Links,” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 40 pp., December 2002.

Michael, R. J., “Design of Engine Mounting System Stewart and Stevenson Military Utility Truck,” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 56 pp., 2002.

Michael, R. J., “Design Guidelines for Elastomeric Bearings,” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 22 pp., July 2002.

Michael, R. J., “Dynamic Analysis and Stress Analysis of Freightliner 2002 MT45 Radiator Stay Rods,” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 5 pp., October 2001.

Michael, R. J., “Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis on Bushing for Freightliner Suspension (IE-01-54),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 12 pp., October 2001.

Michael, R. J., “Dynamic Analysis of Mercury Marine Engine Mount Suspension (IE-01-49),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 30 pp., August 2001.

Michael, R. J., Kuester, U., and Sweeney, S.K., “Design of Engine Mounting System for Mercedes NCV3 Next Generation Utility Vans (IE-01-22),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 100 pp., July 2001.

Michael, R. J., “Finite Element Analysis of Metal Components for NCV3 Engine Mounts (IE-01-18),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 22 pp., July 2001.

Michael, R. J., “Design of Torsional Spring for Dauphin Chair Application (IE-01-12),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 10 pp., May 2001.

Michael, R. J., “Freightliner TufTrac Two-Stage Bearing Feasibility Study (E-00-041),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 10 pp., December 2000.

Michael, R. J., “New Holland L190 Skid Steer Loader Vibration Testing and Modal Analysis (E-00-011),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 12 pp., July 2000.

Michael, R. J., “Walterscheid Drive Shaft Isolator – Design Report (E-99-087),” LORD Corporation, Erie, PA, 12 pp., May 2000.

Service

Service to School of Engineering

School, Research and Outreach Committee, 2003-2009.
School, Safety Committee, 2000-2005.
College, Athletic Committee, 2009-present
School, Scholarships and Awards Committee, 2009-present

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