Robert M. Sorem
- Associate Professor
- Ph.D.
- Executive Associate Chair
Contact Info
Personal Links
Biography —
Dr. Sorem joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1994. He previously worked for Schlumberger Oilfield Services from 1991 to 1994 in Research and Engineering developing downhole oilfield tools. During his tenure at Schlumberger he co-developed 17 patents. Dr. Sorem served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the School of Engineering for the 2002-2012 academic years.
Dr. Sorem’s research areas are engineering education, computational mechanics and vehicle dynamics. His work in engineering education is focused on retention strategies and graduation rates. He has advised KU’s Jayhawk Motorsports Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Racing Team for 17 years. In 2012 Jayhawk Motorsports won the Formula Hybrid – Electric Division and the Formula SAE Lincoln events. In 2009 Dr. Sorem was awarded the Carroll Smith Mentor’s Cup by Formula SAE and the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)—the highest award that can be earned by any Formula SAE advisor.
Research —
Mechanical Design, Computational Mechanics, Finite Element Formation and Application, Mechanics of Materials, Composite Material Mechanics
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.