BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Kitzmiller joined The Center for Electromechanics in 1984.  He specializes in end-to-end prototyping of extreme performance electromechanical systems based on rotating machinery.  He is an associate director and supervises the laboratory and IT department.

Dr. Kitzmiller has served as program manager for three large Army sponsored railgun projects and has managed large engineering and technical staffs and budgets.  He is an accomplished public speaker, has mastered a broad range of management skills, and has participated in proposal writing.

Previously, Dr. Kitzmiller was project manager for the small caliber compulsator system and was responsible for completing the design, fabrication, and early commissioning of that system.  He was the project manager of the Cannon Caliber Electromagnetic Gun System (CCEMG) program and program manager of Pulsed Rotating Machinery and spearheaded the very successful FTP subscale compulsator system.

Before that Dr. Kitzmiller was involved in detailed analysis, design, construction, and testing of several rotating machines and launchers supporting various electric gun programs.  These included the high voltage homopolar generator (HPG) system, the 400 m/s brush tester HPG system, the Balcones 60 MJ HPG power supply system, the Iron Core Compulsator system, and the Task-C compulsator system.

CURRENT PROJECTS

• EMALS: Electric aircraft launcher, Chief Engineer and QA Manager
• EMGCW: Twin air-core PA prototypes with Curtiss-Wright as prime contractor, Chief Engineer and QA manager
• EMGARDEC: Advanced design and subcomponent development for ARDEC ATD (Matt Cilli), Advanced PA design and simulation
• EMGARL: 6.1, 6.2 level subcomponent development in support of present and future PA’s, Advanced PA design, railgun design, and simulations
• Navy EMG: Design of railgun and power supplies for advanced Army launcher under Naval funding, Advanced PA design, railgun design, and simulations
• Engineering consultant on ALPS and TECO-Westinghouse HTS motor

RESEARCH AREAS/AREAS OF INTEREST

• High energy and power density pulsed and continuous motors and generators
• Air-core and composite superconducting motors and generators
• Homopolar generator applications; pulsed consolidation and welding systems

 EDUCATION

• Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin 2004
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1988
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1984

PUBLICATIONS

Refereed Publications

• J.R. Kitzmiller and M.D. Driga, “Field initiation design fundamentals for pulsed alternators,” 13th Electromagnetic Launch Technology Symposium, Potsdam (Berlin), Germany, May 22-25, 2006, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 43, no. 1, January 2007, pp. 246-249 (PR 413).

• R.E. Hebner, J.A. Pappas, J.R. Kitzmiller, K.R. Davey, J.D. Herbst, A. Ouroua, and J. H. Beno, “Some benefits of pulsed alternators as electromagnetic gun power supplies in power systems for future electric ships,” Engine as a Weapon II, London, United Kingdom, December 5-6, 2006 (PR 444).

• M.D. Werst, J.R. Kitzmiller, and C.S. Hearn, “Ultra-stiff, low mass EM gun design,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 41, no. 1, January 2005, pp. 262-265 (PR 354).

• R.E. Hebner, et al., “An electromagnetic gun power supply as a component of an electric ship power system,” ASNE High Powered Weapon Systems for Electric Ship 2004, Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.A., December 7-9, 2004 (PN 292).

• J.R. Kitzmiller and M.D. Driga, “An optimized double ramp integrated launch package design for railguns,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 39, no. 1, January 2003, pp. 62-65 (PR 301).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, S.B. Pratap, and M.D. Driga, “An application guide for compulsators,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 39, no. 1, January 2003, pp. 285-288 (PR 300).

• M.D. Driga, S.B. Pratap, W.A. Walls, and J.R. Kitzmiller, “The self-excitation process in electrical rotating machines operating in pulsed power regime,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 37, no. 1, January 2001, pp. 295-300 (PR 280).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, J.A. Pappas, S.B. Pratap, and M.D. Driga, “Single and multiphase compulsator system architectures: a practical comparison,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 37, no. 1, January 2001, pp. 367-370 (PR 277).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, et al., “Predicted vs. actual performance of a model scale compulsator system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 37, no. 1, January 2001, pp. 362-366 (PR 276).

• B.T. Murphy, J.R. Kitzmiller, R.C. Zowarka, J.J. Hahne, and W.A. Walls, “Rotordynamics design and test results for a model scale compulsator rotor,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 37, no. 1, January 2001, pp. 310-313 (PR 273).

• J.J. Hahne, J.R. Kitzmiller, and C.E. Penney, “Brush/slip ring current collector performance and anomalies during compulsator commissioning,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 37, no. 1, January 2001, pp. 301-304 (PR 274).

• C.E. Penney, T.J. Hotz, J.R. Kitzmiller, R.F. Thelen, and R.C. Zowarka, “Design and implementation of explosive opening switches in inductive circuits,” 10th EML Symposium, April 25-28, 2000, San Francisco, California (PR 278).

• M.D. Werst, C.E. Penney, T.J. Hotz, and J.R. Kitzmiller, “Continued testing of the cannon caliber electromagnetic gun system (CCEMG),” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 35, no. 1, January 1999, pp. 388-393 (PR 244).

• T.J. Hotz, C.E. Penney, J.R. Kitzmiller, and M.D. Werst, “Single shot switch performance on the cannon caliber electromagnetic gun program,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 35, no. 1, January 1999, pp. 346-351 (PR 246).

• J.J. Hahne, et al., “High strain insulation systems for compulsator rotors,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 35, no. 1, January 1999, pp. 283-288 (PR 250).

• K.G. Cook, B.T. Murphy, S.M. Manifold, T. Park, M.D. Werst, J.R. Kitzmiller, W.A. Walls, A. Alexander, K. Twigg, “Subscale rotor spin testing for compulsator component development,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 35, no. 1, January 1999, pp. 277-282 (PR 252).

• R.C. Thompson, W.G. Brinkman, J.R. Kitzmiller, W.A. Walls, and J.H. Beno, “Viscoelasticity of composite structures for compulsators,” 9th EML Symposium, Edinburgh, Scotland, May 1998 (PR 247).

• J.R. Kitzmiller and R.F. Johnson, “Recent CCEMG performance and systems implications for future electric gun development,” AECV All Electric Combat Vehicle, June 9, 1997 (PN 234).

• C.E. Penney, T.J. Hotz, J.R. Kitzmiller, and M.D. Werst, “Design and testing of the power electronics for the cannon caliber electromagnetic gun system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 33, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 484-489 (PR 217).

• S.B. Pratap, J.P. Kajs, W.A. Walls, W.F. Weldon, and J.R. Kitzmiller, “A study of operating modes for compulsator based EM launcher systems,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 33, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 495-500 (PR 212).

• W.A. Walls, S.B. Pratap, J.R. Kitzmiller, and G. Chryssomallis, “Pulsed rotating machine power supplies for electro-thermal-chemical guns,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 33, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 519-523 (PR 214).

• M.D. Werst, T.J. Hotz, J.R. Kitzmiller, C.E. Penney, and R.M. Tellander, “Testing of the cannon caliber rapid fire railgun,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 33, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 613-618 (PR 215).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, S.B. Pratap, M.D. Werst, C.E. Penney, T.J. Hotz, B.T. Murphy, “Laboratory testing of the pulse power system for the cannon caliber electromagnetic gun systems (CCEMG),” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 33, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 443-448 (PR 216).

• B.T. Murphy, S.M. Manifold, and J.R. Kitzmiller, “Compulsator rotordynamics and suspension design,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 33, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 474-479 (PR 207).

• A.E. Zielinski, M.D. Werst, and J.R. Kitzmiller, “Rapid fire railgun for the cannon caliber electromagnetic gun system,” 8th Electromagnetic Launch Symposium, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A., April 22-24, 1996 (PR 210).

• M.D. Werst, et al., “Rapid fire railgun for the cannon caliber electromagnetic gun system,” Digest of Technical Papers, 10th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A., July 10-13, 1995, vol. 1, pp. 174-179 (PN 228).

• S.B. Pratap, et al., “Operating modes for compulsator based electromagnetic launcher systems,” Digest of Technical Papers, 10th IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A., July 3-6, 1995, vol. 1, pp. 180-185 (PN 226).

• M.D. Werst, et al., “Design and testing of a rapid fire, lightweight, ultra stiff railgun for a cannon caliber electromagnetic launcher system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 31, no. 1, January 1995, pp. 365-370 (PR 189).

• J.H. Price, et al., Discarding armature and barrel optimization for a cannon caliber electromagnetic launcher system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 31, no. 1, January 1995, pp. 25-30 (PR 196).

• R.L. Fuller, J.R. Kitzmiller, and R.F. Thelen, “Testing of an air core compulsator driven 0.60 caliber railgun system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 31, no. 1, January 1995, pp. 52-55 (PR 197).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, et al., “Optimization and critical design issues of the air core compulsator for the cannon caliber electromagnetic launcher system (CCEML),” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 31, no. 1, January 1995, pp. 61-66 (PR 199).

• B.D. Goodell, et al., “Electromagnetic (EM) weapon system integration in go combat vehicles,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 32, no. 1, January 1995, pp. 534-539 (PR 204).

• R.N. Headifen, R.L. Fuller, and J.R. Kitzmiller, “Commissioning of a high speed composite rotor with hydrostatic dampers and ceramic rolling element bearings,” 14th ASME Vibration and Noise Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A., September 19-23, 1993 (PR 182).

• S.B. Pratap, et al., “Optimization and design of the air core compulsator for the cannon caliber electromagnetic launcher system (CCEML),” Digest of Technical Papers, 9th IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A., June 21-23, 1993, vol. 1, p. 29 (PN 213).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, et al., “Power Supply Design for the Cannon Caliber Electromagnetic Launcher System (CCEML),” 1993 Gun and Ammunition Technical Symposium, Monterey, California, U.S.A., April 21-23, 1993 (PN 209).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, R.W. Faidley, R.N. Headifen, R.L. Fuller, and R.F. Thelen, “Manufacturing and testing of an air-core compulsator drive 0.60 caliber railgun system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 29, no. 1, January 1993, pp. 441-446 (PR 165).

• R.L. Fuller, J.R. Kitzmiller, S.B. Pratap, and R.F. Thelen, “Salvo fire experiments using a 0.60 caliber electromagnetic launcher,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 29, no. 1, January 1993, pp. 402-406 (PR 163).

• W.A. Walls, M.L. Spann, S.B. Pratap, and J.R. Kitzmiller, “Rotating machine development at The University of Texas,” Digest of Technical Papers, 8th IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference, San Diego, California, U.S.A., June 16-19, 1991, pp. 533-536 (PN 184).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, et al., “Final design of an air core compulsator driven 60 caliber railgun system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 27, no. 1, January 1991, pp. 50-55 (PR 109).

• R.L. Fuller, J.R. Kitzmiller, and M.W. Ingram, “Design and testing of a 0.60 caliber, augmented railgun,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 27, no. 1, January 1991, pp. 45-49 (PR 104).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, et al., “Design of a 600 MW pulsed air-core compulsator,” International Conference on Electrical Machines, 1990 (PR 125).

• J.R. Kitzmiller, J.H. Gully, M.L. Spann, W.F. Weldon, and D.J. Wehrlen, “Testing the 60 MJ pulsed homopolar power supply at The University of Texas, Center for Electromechanics,” Proceedings, 7th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, Monterey, California, U.S.A., June 11-14, 1989, pp. 645-649 (PN 149).

• W.A. Walls, et al., “Design of a self-excited, air-core compulsator for a skid-mounted, repetitive fire 9 MJ railgun system,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 25, no. 1, January 1989, pp. 574-579 (PR 64).

• J.H. Price and J.R. Kitzmiller, “Design of a homopolar generator for 400 m/s slip ring velocity brush testing,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. Mag-22, no. 6, November 1986, pp. 1684-1689 (PR 39).

PATENTS

Filed as Records of Invention

• High Performance Rotating Rectifier for AC Generator Exciters, (with Michael C. Lewis and Michael D. Werst), UT Tech ID OTC- 2929-KIT, submitted October 2004, pending.
• Method for clamping laminations in a high speed electric machine, (with Mike Werst, Michael C. Lewis, and Steve Manifold), UT Tech ID OTC-2923-WER, submitted October 2004, pending.