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Robert M. Sorem
Associate Dean; School of Engineering (Ph.D., Kansas)
785-864-2983
sorem@ku.edu

Mechanical Design, Computational Mechanics, Finite Element Formation and Application, Mechanics of Materials, Composite Material Mechanics

VIEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

Career History; Contact Information; Education; Honors and Awards; Research Interests; Patents; Publications

Career History

  • Associate Dean, School of Engineering, University of Kansas (2001 - Present)
  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Kansas (2000 - 2001)
  • Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Kansas (1994 - 2000)
  • Senior Development Engineer, Dowell Schlumberger, Houston, Texas (March 1994 - August 1994).
  • Development Engineer, Dowell Schlumberger, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Houston, Texas (June 1991 - March 1994)
  • Research Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas (September 1990 - May 1991)
  • Engineer, Doonan Trailer Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas (May 1986 - October 1986)

Contact Information

Mechanical Engineering
University of Kansas
3138 Learned Hall
Lawrence, Kansas 66045-2234

Dean's Office: Room 1, Eaton Hall
ME Office: 3118 Learned Hall

Phone: 785-864-2983
Fax: 785-864-5254
Email: sorem@ku.edu

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, May 1991
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, May 1988
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, May 1986

Honors and Awards

  • Carey Fellowship (Masters and Ph.D.)
  • Tau Beta Pi Honorary Engineering Society
  • Pi Tau Sigma Honorary Mechanical Engineering Society
  • Wesley G. Cramer Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Faculty (KU, 1997, 1998)
  • KU Center for Teaching Excellence Faculty Award (1998)
  • KU School of Engineering Miller Award (1999)

Research Interests

  • Experimental and computational mechanics
  • Development of new techniques in the finite element method, such as composite materials, singular problems, geometrically nonlinear and material nonlinear problems
  • Experimental verification of new techniques
  • Application of the finite element world to design problems
  • Special emphasis on composite materials including environmental degradation on material properties and prediction of material properties for honeycomb core material
  • Branched into other areas of mechanical engineering including flexible manufacturing and internal combustion engines

Patents

Issued:

  • H.V. Thomeer and R.M. Sorem, Composite Coiled Tubing Apparatus and Methods, U.S. Patent #6,065,540, 5/23/2000.
  • H.V. Thomeer and R.M. Sorem, Composite Coiled Tubing Apparatus and Methods, U.S. Patent #5,933,945, 8/10/1999.
  • R.M. Sorem and H.V. Thomeer, Composite Coiled Tubing Apparatus and Methods, U.S. Patent #5,828,003, 10/27/1998.
  • R.M. Sorem and D.M. Eslinger, Inflatable Packer with Wide Slat Reinforcement, U.S. Patent #5,613,555, 3/25/97.
  • D.M. Eslinger, L.M. McKee and R.M. Sorem, Inflatable Packer with Inflation Shape Control, U.S. Patent #5,605,197, 2/25/97.
  • D.M. Eslinger, L.M. McKee and R.M. Sorem, Inflatable Packer with Bladder Shape Control, U.S. Patent # 5,507,341, 4/16/1996.
  • D.M. Eslinger and R.M. Sorem, Reinforcing Slat for Inflatable Packer, U.S. Patent #5,439,053, 8/08/95.
  • R.M. Sorem and D.M. Eslinger, Pre-Formed Stress Rings for Inflatable Packers, U.S. Patent #5,404,947, 4/11/95.
  • R.M. Sorem and D.M. Eslinger, Stress Rings for Inflatable Packers, U.S. Patent #5,398,755, 3/21/95.
  • D.M. Eslinger and R.M. Sorem, Inflatable Packer Inner Bladder Retention and Seal, U.S. Patent #5,390,738, 2/21/95.
  • R.M. Sorem and D.M. Eslinger, Method of Assembly for Inflatable Packer, U.S. Patent #5,363,542, 11/15/94.
  • R.M. Sorem and D.M. Eslinger, and H.V. Thomeer, Straddle Inflatable Packer Cover System,U.S. Patent #5,361,836, 11/08/94.
  • R.M. Sorem, Method of Assembly for Inflatable Packer, U.S. Patent #5,361,479, 11/08/94.
  • D.M. Eslinger and R.M. Sorem, Inflatable Packer with Protective Rings, U.S. Patent #5,353,871, 10/11/94.
  • R.M. Sorem, D.M. Eslinger, S. Adnan, H.V. Thomeer and D.Willauer, Well Treating System with Pressure Readout at Surface, U.S. Patent #5,350,018, 9/27/1994.
  • D.M. Eslinger and R.M. Sorem, Sealing Element for Inflatable Packer, U.S. Patent #5,280,824, 1/25/1994.

    Pending:

  • C.J. Vercaemer, H.V. Thomeer and R.M. Sorem, Expandable Tubing For A Well Bore Hole and Method of Expanding.

Publications

Since 1998:

Publications- Refereed:

  • W. Lai, T. Faddis and R. Sorem, “Applications of Voronoi Diagrams: Finding Offset Distance and Minimum Passage Width in Pocket Machining Toolpath”, submitted for publication in ASME Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering.
  • W. Lai, T. Faddis and R. Sorem, “Incremental Algorithms of Finding Offset Distance and Minimum passage Width in Pocket Machining Toolpath Using Voronoi Technique”, accepted for publication in Journal of Materials Processing Technology (in press).
  • W. Lai, T. Faddis and R. Sorem, “The Use of Voronoi Diagrams Techniques in Pocket machining Toolpath Planning”, Sixth International Conference on Computer Aided Optimum Design of Structures, WIT Press, Boston MA, March 1999.
  • W. Lai, T. Faddis and R. Sorem, “Incremental Algorithms of Finding Offset Distance and Minimum Passage Width Using Voronoi Diagram Technique”, Proceedings of the IEEE 3rd International Conference on Adhesive Joining and Coating Technology in Electronics Manufacturing, September 1998.
  • R.M. Sorem and S. Bona, “Comparison of FEA and Classical Plate Theory for Thick-Walled Composite Tubing”, Energy Sources Technology Conference and Exhibition, ASME, ETCE98-4604, 1998.
  • R.M. Sorem, “Environmental Effects of Oilfield Chemicals on Composite Materials”, Energy Sources Technology Conference and Exhibition, ASME, ETCE98-4587, 1998.
  • R.M. Sorem, B.Thomeer and H. Kruesi, "Design and Analysis of Thick-Walled Spoolable Composite Tubing”, submitted for publication in Journal of Composite Materials.

    Publications- Non-refereed:

  • R.M. Sorem and T.N. Faddis, "Industry Application of Open-Architecture Controller", Fourth Quarter 1998 Report, Aircraft Design and Manufacturing Research Center, December 1998.
  • J. Dreher, K. Prommul, T.N. Faddis and R.M. Sorem, “Knowledge Based Tools Survey, Knowledge-Based Process Advisor Development”, Report to Allied Signal, Inc. Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, October 1998.
  • R.M. Sorem and T.N. Faddis, "Industry Application of Open-Architecture Controller", Third Quarter 1998 Report, Aircraft Design and Manufacturing Research Center, September 1998.
  • W. Lai, T.N. Faddis and R.M. Sorem, “Application of Voronoi Techniques: Finding Minimum Passage Width in Pocket Machining Toolpath Planning”, Report to Allied Signal, Inc. Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, September 1998.
  • R.M. Sorem and T.N. Faddis, "Industry Application of Open-Architecture Controller", Second Quarter 1998 Report, Aircraft Design and Manufacturing Research Center, June 1998.
  • J. Dreher, K. Prommul, T.N. Faddis and R.M. Sorem, “Process Control Study, Knowledge-Based Process Control Advisor Development”, Report to Allied Signal, Inc. Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, June 1998.
  • R.M. Sorem and T.N. Faddis, "Industry Application of Open-Architecture Controller", First Quarter 1998 Report, Aircraft Design and Manufacturing Research Center, March 1998.
  • W. Lai, T.N. Faddis and R.M. Sorem, “Application of Voronoi Techniques: Finding Minimum Passage Width in Pocket Machining Toolpath”, Report to Allied Signal, Inc. Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, March 1998.

    Presentations:

  • “Strength and Stiffness Property Predictor Models for Honeycomb Core Composites” OTCE/OMAE 2000 Joint Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 14-18, 2000.
  • “Development of a Termination Method for Intermediate Diameter Aramid Fiber Tension Members” OTCE/OMAE 2000 Joint Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 14-18, 2000.
  • “Experimental Fracture Toughness Evaluation of High Strength Cold-Drawn Euctectoid Steel Wires” OTCE/OMAE 2000 Joint Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 14-18, 2000.
  • “Fracture Mechanics Analysis of High Strength, High Caron 0.072 Inch Diameter Steel Wire Using Finite Elements” OTCE/OMAE 2000 Joint Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 14-18, 2000.
  • “Industry Application of Open-Architecture”, Semi-Annual Reports Presented to the Board for the State/Industry/University (SIU) Cooperative Research Center, Aircraft Design and Manufacturing Research Center, 1997-98.
  • “Comparison of FEA and Classical Plate Theory for Thick-Walled Composite Tubing” to be presented at the Ninth Annual Energy Technology Conference and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, February 2-4, 1998.
  • “Environmental Effects of Oilfield Chemicals on Composite Materials”, Ninth Annual Energy Technology Conference and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, February 2-4, 1998.

Previous Publications