UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michael Barringer, associate research professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State, was named to the most recent class of fellows for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
The ASME Committee of Past Presidents confers the honor in recognition of “significant engineering achievements” advanced by ASME members with at least 10 years of active practice and at least 10 years of active corporate membership in the organization, according to the society’s website. Only 3% of ASME’s members receive the honor.
“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Dr. Barringer since 1999 and could not be more thankful that I have had the opportunity to do so,” said Karen Thole, distinguished professor of mechanical engineering. “Mike’s expertise and accomplishments in gas turbine heat transfer and aerodynamics have led us to the founding of the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) Lab. Few people could claim such a success in any single career. He is very deserving of the title ASME fellow.”
Barringer oversees the daily operation of the START laboratory and research programs at Penn State. He led the design, building and validating of a unique, world-class turbine facility that operates at high pressure and temperature to study aero-thermal turbine research using engine hardware operated at scaled conditions. This test turbine was specifically launched in the START Lab through a partnership that includes the U.S. Department of Energy, Pratt & Whitney and Penn State.
“I am truly honored to have received this prestigious award and recognition from ASME,” said Barringer, who joined the society in 1997. “My professional commitment to serve and advance mechanical engineering with a focus on gas turbine engines for land-based power generation and aero propulsion vehicles has been a strong passion of mine for many years.”
Barringer also has conducted turbine research supported by the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA and the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy to advance turbines for both power generation and sustainable propulsion for aviation. The current research portfolio for the team in the START Lab is $26 million.
“I have been very fortunate during my career to have worked and collaborated with so many great people in academia, industry and government,” Barringer said. “I greatly appreciate this acknowledgement by ASME.”