The Grainger College of Engineering
Aerospace Engineering

Rodney L Burton

Rodney L Burton
Rodney L Burton
Professor Emeritus
319 A Talbot Laboratory

Education

  • Ph.D. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University 1966
  • B.S.E. Aeronautical Engineering, Princeton University 1962

Biography

Prof. Rod Burton joined the AE Department in 1989 and is Professor Emeritus. He is currently not taking on thesis students. He recently taught AE 435 Electric Propulsion and Senior Design. Summer internships for undergraduates in electric propulsion research and development are occasionally available through the NASA UROP program in AE.

Academic Positions

  • Full Professor, University of Illinois Aerospace Engineering (100%) 2007-2009
  • Full Professor and Interim Department Head University of Illinois, Aerospace Engineering (100%) 2006-2007
  • Sabbatical, Spring Semester 2001
  • Mechanical and Industrial Engr. Affiliate 1999-date
  • Full Professor and Associate Department Head University of Illinois, Aerospace Engineering (100%) 1999-2006
  • Mechanical and Industrial Engr. (0%) 1997-1999
  • Full Professor, University of Illinois Aeronautical and Astronautical Engr. (100%) 1997-1999
  • Mechanical and Industrial Engr. (0%) 1992-1997
  • Mechanical and Industrial Engr. (25%) 1989-1991
  • Aeronautical and Astronautical Engr. (100%) 1992-1997
  • Aeronautical and Astronautical Engr. (75%) 1989-1991
  • Associate Professor, University of Illinois:
  • Research Engineer, Princeton University 1979-1981
  • Assistant Professor, AMES Dept., UC San Diego 1966-1971

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Summer internships for undergraduates in electric propulsion research and development are occasionally available through the NASA UROP program in AE.

Research Areas

Chapters in Books

  • Burton, R. L., Rysanek, F., Antonsen, E. A., Wilson, M. J., and Bushman, S. S., "Pulsed Plasma Thruster Performance for Microspacecraft Propulsion," AIAA Progress Series, Vol. 187, Micropropulsion for Small Spacecraft, M. Micci, ed., Chapter 13, 2000, pp. 337 - 352.
  • Krier, H., Burton, R. L., and Melcher, J. C., "Combustion of Aluminum Particles in Solid Rocket Motor Flows," AIAA Progress Series, Vol. 185, Solid Propellant Chemistry, Combustion, and Motor Interior Ballistics, Yang,V., Brill,T. and Ren,W-Z. eds., Chap. 2.2, pp. 723-747, 2000.
  • Miley, G. H., Satsangi, A. J., DeMora, J., Javedani, J. B., Gu, Y., Burton, R. L., Nakashima, H., DelMedico, S. G. and Sved, J., "Innovative Technology for an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion Propulsion Unit," Vol. 167, AIAA Progress Series, Fusion Energy in Space Propulsion, T. Kammash, ed., Chapter 7, pp. 161-177, 1995.

Selected Articles in Journals

  • Luo, N, Miley, G. H., Shrestha, P. J., Gimlin, R., Burton, R., Rusek, J., and Holcomb, F., "Hydrogen-Peroxide-based Fuel Cells for Space Power Systems, accepted for publication, Journal of Propulsion and Power, 2008.
  • Rysanek, F. and Burton, R. L., "Charging of Macroparticles in a Pulsed Vacuum Arc Discharge," accepted for publication, IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 2008.
  • Pukniel and Burton, R. L., "Optimized Low-Thrust Orbit Transfer for Space Tugs," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 45, No. 1, 151-153, 2008.
  • Botter, T, Coverstone, V. L. and Burton, R., " Structural Dynamics of Spin-Stabilized Solar Sails with Applications to UltraSail," to be published, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2008.
  • G.H. Miley, N. Luo, J. Mather, R. Burton, G. Hawkins, L. Gu, E. Byrd, R. Gimlin, Pr.J. Shrestha, G. Benavides, J. Laystrom, and D. Carroll, “Direct NaBH4/H2O2 Fuel Cells,” Journal of Power Sources, Vol. 165, 509-516, 2007.
  • Michna, G., Jacobi, A. and Burton, R., "An Experimental Study of the Friction Factor and Mass Transfer Performance of an Offset-Strip Fin Array at Very High Reynolds Numbers," Journal of Heat Transfer, Vol 129, No. 9, 1134-1140, 2007.
  • Burton, R. L., Brown, K. and Jacobi, A. M., " Low Cost Launch of Payloads to Low Earth Orbit," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 43, No. 3, 696-698, May-June, 2006.
  • Antonsen, E. L., Burton, R. L., Reed, G. A., Spanjers, G. G., "Effects of Post Pulse Surface Temperature on MicroPPT Operation," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 21, No. 5, 877-883, Sept-Oct 2005.
  • Antonsen, E. L., Burton, R. L., Spanjers, G. C., and Engelman, S. F., “Herriot Cell Augmentation Of A Quadrature Heterodyne Interferometer,” Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 74, No. 1, 88 – 93, Jan., 2003.
  • Melcher, J. C., Krier, H., and Burton, R. L., "Burning Aluminum Particles Inside a Laboratory-Scale Solid Rocket Motor", Journal of Propulsion & Power, Vol 18. No. 3. pp. 631-640, May-June 2002.
  • Bushman, S. S. and Burton, R. L., "Heating And Plasma Properties In A Coaxial Gasdynamic Pulsed Plasma Thruster," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 17, No. 5, 959-966, 2001.
  • Servaites, J., Krier, H., Melcher, J. C. and Burton, R. L., "Ignition and Combustion of Aluminum Particles in Shocked H2O/O2/Ar and CO2/O2/Ar Mixtures," Combustion and Flame, Vol. 125, Nos. 1/2, 1040-1054, 2001
  • Spalding, M. S., Krier, H, and Burton, R. L., "Boron Suboxides measured During Ignition and Combustion of Boron in Shocked Ar/F/O2 and Ar/N2/O2 Mixtures," Combustion and Flame, Vol. 117, Nos. 1/2, 32-58, Nov. 1999.
  • Bufton, S. A., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H, "Effect of Thruster Specific Power on Exit Plane Properties of a Low-Power Hydrazine Arcjet," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 735-736, July-Aug., 1999.
  • Willmes, G. F. and Burton, R. L., "The Low Power Helium Pulsed Arcjet," J. Propulsion and Power, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 440-446, May.-Jun. 1999.
  • Burton, R. L. and Turchi, P. J., "Pulsed Plasma Thruster," J. Propulsion and Power, Vol. 14, No. 5, pp. 716-735, Sept.-Oct., 1998.
  • Foelsche, R. O., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H, "Ignition and Combustion of Aluminum Particles in H2/O2/N2 Combustion Products," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 14, No. 6, pp. 1001-1008, Nov.-Dec., 1998.
  • Foelsche, R. O., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H, "Boron Particle Ignition and Combustion at 30 - 150 Atmospheres," Combustion and Flame, Vol. 117, Nos. 1/2, 32-58, Apr. 1999.
  • Lu, J., Krier, H., Burton, R. L., Goodfellow, K. D., "Collisionless Cathode Sheath Models for 1 kW Hydrazine Arcjets," Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 230-238, Apr.-Jun., 1998.
  • Krier, H., Burton, R. L., Spalding, M. J., and Rood, T. J., "Ignition Dynamics of Boron Particles in a Shock Tube," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 166-172, Mar-Apr., 1998.
  • Megli, T. W., Lu, J., Krier, H., and Burton, R. L., "Modeling Plasma Processes in 1 kW Hydrazine Arcjet Thrusters," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 29-38, Jan.-Feb., 1998.
  • Tiliakos, N. T., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H. "Arcjet Anode Plasma Measurements Using Electrostatic Probes," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 560-567, July-Aug., 1998.
  • Bufton, S. A., and Burton, R. L.,"Velocity and Temperature Measurements in a Low-Power Hydrazine Arcjet," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 768-774, Nov.-Dec., 1997.
  • Megli, T. W., Krier, H., and Burton, R. L., "Plasmadynamics Model for Nonequilibrium Processes in N2/H2 Arcjets," Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, Vol. 10, No. 4, 554-562, Oct.-Dec. 1996.
  • Tiliakos, N. T. and Burton, R. L., "Arcjet Anode Sheath Voltage Measurements by Langmuir Probe," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 1174-1176, Nov.-Dec., 1996.
  • Krier, H., Burton, R. L., Pirman, S. R., and Spalding, M. J., "Shock Initiation of Crystalline Boron in Oxygen and Fluorine Compounds," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 672-679, July-August, 1996.
  • Megli, T. W., Krier, H., Burton, R. L., and Mertogul, A. E., "Two-Temperature Plasma Modeling of Nitrogen/Hydrogen Arcjets," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 1062-1069, Nov.-Dec., 1996.
  • Foelsche, R. O., Burton, R. L. and Krier, H., "High Pressure Ignition of Boron in Reduced Oxygen Atmospheres," MRS Symposium Proceedings Series, T. B. Brill, T. P. Russell, W. C. Tao, R. B. Wardle, eds., Vol. 418, pp. 187-193, 1996.
  • Burton, R. L. and Bufton, S. A., "Exit-Plane Electrostatic Probe Measurements of a Low-Power Arcjet," Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 1099-1106, Nov.-Dec., 1996.
  • Rizkalla, O. F., Chinitz, W., Witherspoon, F. D. and Burton, R. L., "High-Pressure Hypervelocity Electrothermal Wind-Tunnel Performance Study and Subscale Tests," J. Propulsion and Power, Vol. 9, No. 5, 731-738, Sept.-Oct., 1993.
  • Burton, R. L. and Tiliakos, N., "Injected Propellant Ionization in MPD Thrusters," J. Propulsion and Power, Vol. 9, No. 5, 764-770, Sept.-Oct., 1993.
  • Burton, R. L. and Del Medico, S., "Application of a Quadruple Probe Technique to MPD Thruster Plume Measurements," J. Propulsion and Power, Vol. 9, No. 5, 771-777, Sept.-Oct., 1993.
  • Roberts, T. A., R. L. Burton and H. Krier, "Ignition and Combustion of Aluminum/Magnesium Alloy Particles in O2 at High Pressures," Combustion and Flame, Vol. 92, No. 1/2, 125-143, Jan. 1993.
  • Roberts, T. A. and R. L. Burton, "Piezoelectric Pressure Transducer Technique for Oxidizing Atmospheres," Review of Scientific Instruments, 63, 7, 3787-3788, July, 1992.
  • Burton, R. L., F. D. Witherspoon and S. A. Goldstein, "Performance of a Self-Augmented Railgun," Journal of Applied Physics, 70, 3907-3911, Oct. 1, 1991.
  • Burton, R. L. and C. Wassgren, "Time-Critical Low-Thrust Orbit Transfer Optimization," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 29,2,286-288, Mar.-Apr., 1992.
  • Burton, R.L., B. K. Hilko, F. D. Witherspoon, and G. Jaafari, "Energy- Mass Coupling in High-Pressure Liquid-Injected Arcs," IEEE Trans. on Plasma Science, 19, 2, 340-349, Apr. 1991.
  • Burton, R. L. and F. D. Witherspoon, "A Second Generation EMET Railgun for Secondary Arc Studies," IEEE Trans. Magnetics, 27, 1, 91-96, Jan. 1991.
  • Burton, R. L., F. D. Witherspoon and S. A. Goldstein, "The EMET Railgun Projectile," IEEE Trans. Magnetics, 27, 527-532, 1, Jan. 1991.
  • Burton, R. L. and S. Y. Wang, "Initial Development of a Pulsed Electrothermal Thruster," Journal of Propulsion and Power, 7, 2, 301-303, Mar.-Apr. 1991.
  • Burton, R. L., D. Fleischer, S. A. Goldstein, and D. A. Tidman, "Experiments on a Repetitively Pulsed Electrothermal Thruster," Journal of Propulsion and Power, 6, 2, 139-144, March 1990.
  • Witherspoon, F. D., R. L. Burton, and S. A. Goldstein, "Railgun Experiments with Lexan Insulators," IEEE Trans. on Plasma Science, 17, 3, 353-359, June 1989.
  • Witherspoon, F. D., R. L. Burton, and S. A. Goldstein, "Physics Experiments on the GEDI EMET Facility," IEEE Trans. on Magnetics, 25, 1, 605-609, Jan. 1989.
  • Burton, R. L., S. A. Goldstein, D. A. Tidman, S. Y. Wang, N. K. Winsor, and F. D. Witherspoon, "EMET Technology for Rail Launchers," IEEE Trans. on Magnetics, 22, 6, 1410-1415, Nov. 1986.
  • Burton, R. L., K. E. Clark, and R. G. Jahn, "Measured Performance of a Multimegawatt MPD Thruster," J. Spacecraft, 20, 3, 299-304, May-June 1983.
  • Cooper, A. L., J. M. Pierre, P. J. Turchi, J. P. Boris, and R. L. Burton, "Modeling of Linus-Type Stabilized Liner Implosions," Megagauss Physics and Technology, P. J. Turchi, ed., Plenum Press, New York, 447-460, 1980.
  • Turchi, P. J., D. L. Book, R. L. Burton and A. L. Cooper, "Stabilized Imploding Liner Research for High Magnetic Field Plasma Compression," J. Magnetism and Mag. Materials, 11, 372-375, 1979.
  • Burton, R. L., and J. C. Slaybaugh, "A Laser Interferometer Schlieren System for High Frequency Gas Density Measurements," Rev. Sci Inst., 41, 581, 1970.
  • Burton, R. L., P. Devillers, and O. Chang, "Effect of Mass Injection on a High-Current Arc," AIAA J., 8, 1111, 1970.
  • Burton, R. L., "Conditions for the Steady One-Dimensional Motion of a Current Sheet," Phys. Fluids, 11, 2284, 1968.
  • Burton, R. L., and O. Y. Chang, "Acceleration Process in a Stabilized High-Current Arc," AIAA J., 6, 2190, 1968.
  • Burton, R. L., and R. G. Jahn, "Acceleration of Plasma By a Propagating Current Sheet," Phys. Fluids, 11, 1231, 1968.
  • Jahn, R. G., W. von Jaskowsky, and R. L. Burton, "Ejection of a Pinched Plasma From an Axial Orifice," AIAA J., 3, 1862, Oct. 1965.

Articles in Conference Proceedings

  • Lu, J., Krier, H., Burton, R. L., and Goodfellow, K. D., "Collisionless Cathode Sheath Models to Predict Power Distribution in 1 kW Hydrazine Arcjets," AIAA Paper No. 97-3206, 33rd AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Seattle, WA, July, 1997.
  • Rood, T. J., Spalding, M. J., Krier, H., and Burton, R. L, “Ignition Dynamics of Boron Particles in a Shock Tube," AIAA Paper No. 97-3234, 33rd AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Seattle, WA, July, 1997.
  • Tiliakos, N. T., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H. "Arcjet Anode Plasma Measurements using Electrostatic Probes," AIAA Paper No. 97-3201, 33rd AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Seattle, WA, July, 1997.
  • Foelsche, R. O., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H., "Ignition and Combustion of Boron Particles in Hydrogen/Oxygen Explosion Products," AIAA Paper No. 97-0127, 35th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno, NV, Jan., 1997.
  • Spalding, M. J., Krier, H., and Burton, R. L., "Emission Spectroscopy During Ignition of Boron Particles at High Pressure," AIAA Paper No. 97-0119, 35th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno, NV, Jan., 1997.
  • Burton, R. L. and Krier, H., "Overview of Arcjet Thruster Research at the University of Illinois," AIAA Paper No. 96-3296, 32nd AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL, July, 1996.
  • Willmes, G. F. and Burton, R. L., "Performance Measurements and Energy Losses in a Low Power Pulsed Arcjet," AIAA Paper No. 96-2966, 32nd AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL, July, 1996.
  • Krier, H., Burton, R. L., Megli, T., Lu, J., and Tiliakos, N., "Validation of 1 kW Arcjet Model Prediction," AIAA Paper No. 96-2965, 32nd AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL, July, 1996.
  • Tiliakos, N. T., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H. "Energy Transfer to the Anode of a 1 kW Arcjet," AIAA Paper No. 96-2964, 32nd AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL, July, 1996.
  • Willmes, G. F. and Burton, R. L., "Pulsed Arcjet Performance Measurements," AIAA Paper No. 95-2823, 31st AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, San Diego, July, 1995.
  • Bufton, S. A., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H., "Measured Plasma Properties at the Exit Plane of a 1 kW Arcjet," AIAA Paper No. 95-3066, 31st AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, San Diego, July, 1995.
  • Tiliakos, N. T., Burton, R. L., and Krier, H., "Application of Internal Langmuir Diagnostics to Arcjets," AIAA Paper No. 95-2386, 31st AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, San Diego, July, 1995.
  • Megli, T. W., Krier, H., and Burton, R. L., "A Plasmadynamics Model for Nonequilibrium Processes in N2/H2 Arcjets," AIAA Paper No. 95-1961, 26th AIAA Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference, San Diego, June, 1995.
  • Krier, H., Burton, R. L., Pirman, S. R., and Spalding, M. J., "Shock Initiation of Crystalline Boron in Oxygen and Fluorine Compounds," AIAA Paper No. 95-2120, 30th AIAA Thermophysics Conference, San Diego, June, 1995.
  • DelMedico, S., Javedani, J., Wimmer, R., Neupert, D., Barnouin, O., Burton, R., Williams, M., Bromley, B., DeMora, J., and Miley, G. H., "Design and Construction of a 1-MJ DPF," IEEE Conference Record--Abstracts, IEEE Catalog No. 94CH3465-2, 1994 IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science, p. 130 Santa Fe, NM, June, 1994.
  • Megli, T. W., Krier, H., Burton, R. L. and Mertogul, A. E., "Two Temperature Modeling of N2/H2 Arcjets," AIAA Paper No. 94-2413, 25th AIAA Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference, Colorado Springs, June, 1994.
  • Burton, R. L. and Willmes, G. F., "Thrust Performance of a Very Low Power Pulsed Arcjet," AIAA Paper No. 94-3125, 30th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Indianapolis, June, 1994.
  • Burton, R. L., Bufton, S. A., Tiliakos, N. T., and Krier, H., "Application of Multiple Electrostatic Probes to a Low Power Arcjet," AIAA Paper No. 94-3299, 30th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Indianapolis, June, 1994.
  • Megli, T.W., Krier, H. and Burton, R. L.,"Shock Tube Ignition of Aluminum/Magnesium Alloys in Water Vapor and Argon," Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Experimental Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamics, Vol. 2, M.D. Kelleher et al. (eds.), Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., 1097-1105, 1993.
  • Willmes, G. F. and Burton, R. L., "Investigation of a Very Low Power Pulsed Arcjet," IEPC Paper No. 93-136, 23rd AIAA/AIDAA/ DGLR/JSASS International Electric Propulsion Conference, Seattle, Sept., 1993.
  • Tiliakos, N. T. and Burton, R. L., "Effect of a Pulsed Magnetic Field on Arcjet Operation," IEPC Paper No. 93-186, 23rd AIAA/AIDAA/DGLR/JSASS International Electric Propulsion Conference, Seattle, Sept., 1993.
  • Miley, G. H., Burton, R., Javedani, Y. Yamamoto, J., Satsangi, A., Gu, Y., Heck, P., Nebel, R., Schulze, N., Christensen, J., Strellis, D., DeMora, J., Cooper, S., Ochoa, A., and Fluhrer, J., "Inertial Electrostatic Confinement as a Power Source for Electric Propulsion," Vision 21 Conference, Cleveland, OH, March 30-31, 1993.
  • Burton, R. L. and Tiliakos, N., "Injected Propellant Ionization in MPD Thrusters," AIAA Paper No. 92-3295, 28th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Nashville, July, 1992.
  • Taylor, R. D., Burton, R. L. and Wetzel, K., "Preliminary Investigation of a Low Power Pulsed Arcjet Thruster," AIAA Paper No. 92-3113, 28th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Nashville, July, 1992.
  • Burton, R. L., O. F. Rizkalla, W. Chinitz and F. D. Witherspoon, "High Pressure Hypervelocity Electrothermal Wind Tunnel Performance Study and Subscale Tests," AIAA Paper No. 92-0329, 30th Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno, Jan. 1992.
  • Burton, R. L. and Tiliakos, N., "Pre-Ionization Processes in a Self-Field MPD Accelerator, IEPC 91-089, AIDAA/AIAA/DGLR/JSASS 22nd International Electric Propulsion Conference, Viareggio, Oct. 1991.
  • Burton, R. L., F. D. Witherspoon, W. Chinitz and O. Rizkalla, "High Pressure Mach 10 to 20 Electrothermal Hypersonic Wind Tunnel, 1990 JANNAF Propulsion Meeting, Anaheim, October 1990.
  • Burton, R.L. and C. Wassgren, "Payload Rate Optimization for Low-Thrust, Near-EarthTrajectories," AIAA-90-2620, 21st AIAA/DGLR/JSASS International Electric Propulsion Conference, Orlando, July 1990.
  • Winsor, N. K., D. Massey, S. A. Goldstein, D. A. Tidman, J. R. Greig, P. A. Napier, B. K. Hilko and R. L. Burton, "Facility Description: A 20 MM Electrothermal Gun," 38th Meeting, Aeroballistic Range Association, Tokyo, GT-Devices, Inc., Oct. 1987.
  • Burton, R. L., "Pulsed Electrothermal Propulsion for Military Satellite Missions," AIAA/DARPA Meeting on Lightweight Satellite Systems, Monterey, CA, GT-Devices, Inc., Aug. 1987.
  • Burton, R. L., "Performance of an SP-100/Pulsed Electrothermal Thruster Orbit Transfer Vehicle," AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 23rd Joint Propulsion Conf., San Diego, CA, GT-Devices, Inc., GTD Tech. Report. No. 87-2027, June 1987.
  • Burton, R. L., D. Fleischer, S. A. Goldstein and D. A. Tidman, "Experiments on a Repetitively Pulsed Electrothermal Thruster," 19th AIAA/DGLR/JSASS Int. Electric Propulsion Conf., Colorado Springs, CO, GT-Devices, Inc., AIAA Paper No. 87-1043, May 1987.
  • Winsor. N. K., D. Massey, S. A. Goldstein, D. A. Tidman, R. L. Burton, H. W. Bloomberg, J. R. Greig, B. K. Hilko, P. Napier and B. Oldberg, "Operation of an Electrothermal Gun," 37th Meeting Aeroballistic Range Association, Quebec City, GT-Devices, Inc., Sept. 1986.
  • Chichester, T., B. K. Hilko, F. D. Witherspoon, R. L. Burton, and N. K. Winsor, "Double-Pulsed Nitrogen Laser for Hypervelocity Projectile Photography, Proc. 36h Meeting Aeroballistic Range Association, San Antonio, TX, GT-Devices, Inc., Oct. 1985.
  • Burton, R. L., S. A. Goldstein, B. K. Hilko, D. A. Tidman and N. K. Winsor, "Proposed System Design for a 20 KW Pulsed Electrothermal Thruster, AIAA Paper No. 84-1387, AIAA/SAE/ASME 20th Joint Propulsion Conference, Cincinnati, OH, June 1984.
  • Winsor, N. K., R. L. Burton, S. A. Goldstein, D. Massey, and D. A. Tidman, "Multi-Module Hypervelocity Mass Accelerator," Proc. 35h Meeting Aeroballistic Range Association, Meppen, Germany, GT-Devices, Inc., Sept, 1984
  • Burton, R. L., S. A. Goldstein, B. K. Hilko, D. A. Tidman and N. K. Winsor, "Experimental Investigation of the Pulsed Electrothermal (PET) Thruster," AIAA Paper No. 84-1386, AIAA/SAE/ASME 20th Joint Propulsion Conference, Cincinnati, OH, June 1984.
  • Burton, R. L., S. A. Goldstein, D. A. Tidman, and N K. Winsor, "Theory of the Pulsed Electrothermal Thruster, " AIAA Paper No. 82-1952, AIAA/JSASS/DGLR 16th International Electric Propulsion Conference, New Orleans, LA, Nov. 1982.
  • Burton, R. L., K. E. Clark, and R. G. Jahn, "Thrust and Efficiency of a Self-Field MPD Thruster", AIAA/JSASS/DGLR, 15th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Las Vegas, NV, AIAA Paper No. 81-0684, April 1981.
  • Krakowski, R. A., R. L. Miller, C. G. Bathke [Los Alamos], R. L. Hagenson, C. E. Wagner [Science Applications, Inc.], A. S. Tai [Swiss Federal Institute of Technology], R. W. Bussard, R. A. Shanny, J. S. Herring [INESCO], L. M. Lidsky [MIT], A. L. Cooper, D. J. Jenkins, J. M. Pierre, E. P. Scannell, P. J. Turchi, N. K. Winsor, A. Barcilon, J. P. Boris, R. L. Burton [Naval Research Laboratory], H. J. Willenberg, A. L. Hoffman, L. C. Steinhauer, P. H. Rose [Math. Sciences Northwest], "Reactor Systems Studies of Alternative Fusion Concepts," Proc. of the Eighth Int. Conf. on Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research, Brussels, IAEA Paper No. CN-38/V4, July 1-10, 1980.
  • Winsor, N. K., P. J. Turchi, A. E. Robson, J. M. Pierre, A. L. Cooper, R. L. Burton and J. P. Boris, "The LINUS Magnetic-Inertial Fusion Program," Proc. Vienna Summer School of Plasma Physics, USDOE Rept. CONF-7909, 1979.
  • Cooper, A. L., R. L. Burton, D. L. Book, P. J. Turchi, D. J. Jenkins, R. E. Lanham, W. Bliven and A. Barcilon, "Rotating Imploding Free Surface Flows," presented at the 31st Meeting, Division of Fluid Dynamics, American Physical Society, Los Angeles, CA, Nov. 19-21, 1978.
  • Burton, R. L., A. L. Cooper, P. J. Turchi, D. J. Jenkins, J. Cameron, and R. D. Ford, "Imploding Liquid Liner Experiments at NRL," presented at the 20th Annual Meeting, Division of Plasma Physics, American Physical Society, Colorado Springs, CO, Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 1978.
  • Turchi, P. J., R. L. Burton, A. L. Cooper and D. J. Jenkins, "Development of Stabilized Liner Implosion Systems for High Magnetic Field Pulsed Fusion," presented at the 20th Annual Meeting, Division of Plasma Physics, American Physical Society, Colorado Springs, CO, Oct. 3-Nov. 3, 1978.
  • Turchi, P. J., D. L. Book, R. L. Burton, and A. L. Cooper, "Stabilized Imploding Liner Research for High Magnetic Field Plasma Compression," International Conference on Solids and Plasmas in High Magnetic Fields, MIT, Sept. 18-21, 1978.
  • Turchi, P. J., D. L. Book, and R. L. Burton, "Optimization of Stabilized Imploding Liner Fusion Reactors," Proc. of the Tenth Symposium on Fusion Technology, Padua, Sept. 1978.
  • Book, D. L., R. L. Burton, A. L. Cooper, R. D. Ford, B. Hui, D. J. Jenkins, P. C. Liewer, A. E. Robson and P. J. Turchi, "Experimental and Theoretical Liner Fusion Studies," presented at the Seventh International Conference on Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research, Innsbruck, Aug. 23-30, 1978, NRL Memorandum Report 3826, Aug. 1978.
  • Burton, R. L., and P. J. Turchi, "Compact Fusion Reactors Using Controlled Imploding Liners," Proc. of the 13th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, San Diego, CA, 1372, Aug. 20-25, 1978.
  • Burton, R. L., P. J. Turchi, D. J. Jenkins, D. L. Book, and A. L. Cooper, "Techniques for Plasma Compression by Imploding Liquid Liners," presented at the 1978 IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science, Monterey, CA, May 15-17, 1978.
  • Burton, R. L., P. J. Turchi, D. J. Jenkins, A. L. Cooper, and R. D. Ford, "Experimental Studies of the Free Surface of Stabilized Liquid Liner Implosions," presented at the Nineteenth Meeting, Division of Plasma Physics, American Physical Society, Atlanta, GA, Nov. 7-11, 1977.
  • Ford, R., D. Jenkins, P. Turchi, and R. L. Burton, "Pulsed High Pressure Gas Generator Using High Explosives for Imploding Liners," Proc. of 7th Symposium on Engineering Problems of Fusion Research, Knoxville, KY, 229, Oct. 25-28, 1977.
  • Burton, R. L., P. J. Turchi, D. J. Jenkins, and A. L. Cooper, "Hydrodynamic Model Experiments for Stabilized Liquid Liners with Annular Piston Drive," Proc. of 7th Symposium on Engineering Problems of Fusion Research, Knoxville, KY, 225, Oct. 25-28, 1977.
  • Turchi, P. J., D. J. Jenkins, W. L. Warnick, R. D. Ford, R. Lanham, A. L. Cooper, and R. L. Burton, "Engineering Design of the LINUS-O Prototype Liner Implosion System," Proc. of 7th Symposium on Engineering Problems of Fusion Research, Knoxville, KY, 220, Oct. 25-28, 1977.
  • Burton, R. L., "Recent Advances in Vehicular Steam Engine Efficiency," Paper 760450, SAE Automotive Engineering Congress, Detroit, MI, Feb. 1976.
  • Burton, R. L., "Thermal Efficiency of the Uniflow Expander at 800 to 1400 deg. F. Inlet Temperature," Proc. 9th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, San Francisco, CA, 970-976, 1974.
  • Co-author, "Design and Performance of a Baseline Rankine Cycle Automobile," Proc. 9th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, San Francisco, CA, 977, 1974.
  • Burton, R. L., and R. D. Burtz, "The Demonstration of an External Combustion Engine in a City Bus," SAE Paper 720682, Aug. 1972.
  • Devillers, P., and R. L. Burton, "The Importance of Alfven's Critical Velocity for MPD Arcs," AIAA 8th Electric Propulsion Conference, Stanford, CA, AIAA Paper 70-1096, August, 1970.
  • Burton, R. L., and R. G. Jahn, "Electric and Magnetic Field Distributions in a Propagating Current Sheet," 5th Electric Propulsion Conference, San Diego, CA, AIAA Paper 66-200, March 1966.

Honors

  • Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Advising (Spring 2007)
  • Incomplete List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Fall 2000)
  • Incomplete List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Spring 2000)
  • Incomplete List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Spring 1999)
  • AIAA Teacher of the Year (1998-1999)
  • Incomplete List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Fall 1998)
  • Advisor Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising (1994)
  • AIAA Teacher of the Year (1992-1993)
  • Anderson Consulting Award for Excellence in Advising (1993)
  • Incomplete List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Fall 1992)
  • Nominee, Everitt Award, College of Engineering (1992)
  • SAE Ralph R. Teetor Award (1971)

Research Honors

  • co-winner, AIAA Paper of the Year Award, Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference (1996)
  • IEEE Senior Member (1995)
  • AIAA Associate Fellow (1991)