Chris Winkler

Education

BS, Mechanical Engineering, Bucknell University, 1968

MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1969

Research Interests

Chris Winkler is Research Scientist Emeritus of UMTRI’s Engineering Systems Group. He first joined the UMTRI staff in 1969. His research interests include measuring, predicting, and analyzing the handling, braking, and roll-related behavior of pneumatic-tired motor vehicles and their components with a strong emphasis on large, commercial highway vehicles. He has been responsible for the design and construction of a variety of laboratory and field devices for measuring the properties of vehicles and their components. He has been responsible for full-scale vehicle testing programs on the test track and in the field. He has participated in the development and use of sophisticated computer programs simulating dynamic vehicle behavior.

Service

• Society of Automotive Engineers:
  • Vehicle Dynamics Committee, past chairman
  • US Advisory Group ISO/TC22/SC9, past chairman
  • Truck & Bus Safety Dynamics Subcommittee
• International Standards Organization:
  • TC22/SC9: Vehicle dynamics and roadholding, US delegate, head of delegation
  • TC22/SC9/WG6: Heavy commercial vehicles, expert member
• International Forum for Road Transport Technology, Safety, and Policy:
  • Founding trustee
  • Chairman, 4th International Symposium on Heavy Vehicle Weights and Dimensions
• Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor, Michigan

Honors and Awards

• Cambridge University, UK
  • Visiting Researcher, winter 1998-1999
  • Visiting Researcher, spring 2007
• Bucknell University:
  • Oliver J Decker Prize for Engineering, 1968 (1st in graduating class)
• Membership in Honorary Societies:
  • Tau Beta Pi, Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Mu Epsilon, Sigma Xi
• Society of Automotive Engineers:
  • Recognition Award, Speaker, Professional Development Program, Heavy Vehicle Rollover, 1993
  • Recognition Award, Document Sponsor, J2179, 1994
  • Recognition Award, SAE Truck & Bus Safety Dynamics Subcommittee
  • Recognition Award, Speaker, Heavy Truck Rollover and Collision Avoidance TOPTEC, 2003
  • Member Service Award, 2005
  • Arch T. Colwell Merit Award
• International Forum for Road Transport Technology, Safety, and Policy:
  • The Rod Addis Best Paper Award, 8th International Symposium on Heavy Vehicle Weights and Dimensions, 2004

Student Engagement

Chris, along with UMTRI colleagues, has taught a one-week, professional development course on the Dynamics of Heavy Duty Trucks given yearly at the University of Michigan since 1981 through 2024. Prior to his emeritus status in 2007, Chris chaired the course for many years.

Hometown

Bethlehem, PA

Hobbies and Interests

Chris Winkler is a private pilot with instrument rating and over 2500 hours as PIC. Much of his spare time is taken up with the care and maintenance of his 1965 Piper Cherokee airplane and his 1965 Porsche 356C. He and his wife, Noel, have enjoyed forty-some consecutive years of attendance at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. They both enjoy boating and water sports, long vigorous walks, and the fall colors.