• Application of krypton-85 radioisotope tracer gas technology to leak detection
• Material Characterization
• Reliability of Microelectronics
• MEMS Devices
• Energetic Materials and Components
• Ballistic performance of energetic materials, propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics and their associated components.

Karl Rink received his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota in 1983 and his Master of Science in Engineering from Purdue University in 1986. He was subsequently employed by Solar Turbines Incorporated where he was responsible for the design, development, and testing of gas turbine combustion systems and components.

After earning his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah in 1994 he was employed by Morton International Automotive Safety Products (later to become Autoliv ASP) in Ogden, Utah where he was responsible for the development of innovative gaseous, liquid and hybrid airbag inflation technologies. His work in airbag technology led to 50 U.S. patents, one of which led to the 2000 PACE award for outstanding innovation in automotive technology.

Dr. Rink is active in a number of technical societies including the Combustion Institute and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) where he currently serves as the chair of the Energetic Systems and Components Technical Committee. Dr. Rink was named an Outstanding Mechanical Engineer by Purdue University in 2000 and an Associate Fellow of AIAA in 2007.

• Maughan, M.R., Stephens, R.R., Blackketter, D.M., and K.K. Rink, “Thermal Stresses Due to Laser-Welding in Bridge-Wire Initiators,” accepted for publication in the Journal for Electronic Packaging, November, 2006.
• Thompson, L.M., Maughan, M.R, Rink, K.K., Blackketter, D.M., and R. R. Stephens, “Thermally Induced Stresses in Bridge-Wire Initiator Glass-to-Metal Seals,” Journal of Electronic Packaging, Vol. 129, September 2007, pp. 300 306.
• Rink, K. K., “Fundamental Considerations Concerning the Detection of Gross Leaks in Bridge-Wire Initiators,” International Journal of Vehicle Safety, Vol. 1, No. 4, 2006, pp. 253-266.
• Paulitz, T. J.*, Blackketter, D. M., and Rink, K. K., “Constant Force Restraints for Frontal Collisions,” Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Vol. 220, Part D, Journal of Automotive Engineering, September, 2006, pp. 1177-1189

• “Prediction and Monitoring Systems of Creep-Fracture Behavior of 9Cr-1Mo Steels for Reactor Pressure Vessels”, research in progress.
• “Experimental Study and Computational Simulations of Key Pebble Bed Thermo-Mechanics Issues for Design and Safety”, research in progress.
• Poulsen, B. L. and Rink, K. K., “Modeling the Pyrotechnically-Induced Dissociation of Nitrous Oxide by ZPPP and THPP Initiators,” paper accepted for the 46th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, Nashville, Tennessee, July 21-23, 2010.
• Poulsen, B. L. and Rink, K. K., “Modeling the Pyrotechnically-Induced Dissociation of Nitrous Oxide in Closed Vessels,” AIAA-2010-0334, 48th AIAA Aerospace Science Meeting, Orlando, Florida, January 4-7, 2010.
• Fischer, C. K. and Rink, K. K., “Measurements of Gas Transport Rates through Cracked Glass-to-Metal Initiator Seals. Part II: Helium Leak Rates,” AIAA-2007-5147, 43rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 8 – 11, 2007.
• Glass, R. A. and Rink, K. K., “Design and Fabrication of a Ballistic Gas Compression Apparatus,” AIAA-2007-5136, 43rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 8 – 11, 2007.

• Faculty advisor for the University of Idaho AIAA chapter
• Faculty advisor for the University of Idaho Mens Ice Hockey Club

• AIAA Associate Fellow, 2007
• Purdue University Outstanding Mechanical Engineer, 2000