Tribute to Paul KUENTZMANN
His remarkable career shows the importance of Paul KUENTZMANN in the world of aerospace research.
After studying engineering, Arts and Crafts first (from which he came out first with a score on the exit exams never equalled to date) and then a specialization in SupAero, he turned resolutely to research with a thesis of doctor engineer and then a thesis of state (Lille and Paris).
Throughout his career, he has skilfully exploited this dual training as an engineer and doctor to conduct, and then pilot, studies and research, never forgetting scientific, technical or technological constraints. This has given it a rather unique place in the world of research and has established its reputation as a great scientist.
He started at Sud Aviation (Laboratory of New Structures and Then Long-Term Plans) before joining the Scientific Directorate of Energy at ONERA in 1967.
Initially specialized in solid propellant propulsion, he gradually expanded his field of activity to other types of aerospace propulsion and served as scientific director of Energy at ONERA from 1988 to 1996.
He further extended his field of expertise to external aerodynamics when he was appointed Scientific Director of oneRA’s Fluid and Energy Mechanics branch until his retirement in 2005.
Those who knew him well remember, with a certain tenderness, his seriousness in all circumstances, of this almost stiffness, which was attributed to his Alsatian origins. But above all, he was marked by his exceptional scientific rigour: he did not advance anything that was not verified and never let the slightest inaccuracy pass. It was a encyclopedia in the fields of fluid mechanics and energy.
His expertise is recognized in many national and international bodies, and he was appointed a senior advisor to ONERA, a member of the
emeritus of the 3AF in 2004 and full member of the Air and Space Academy in 2008 with a stint at the honorary in 2015.
Paul KUENTZMANN gave his acceptance speech at the Academy in 2009. The latter is available on our website, in electronic format(link)or in paper format in the Annals 2008-2010 (Tome 2) – Communications, available for sale(link).
During his career he was also a recipient of the Legion of Honour, the National Order of Merit and the Academic Palms. He was awarded the Science and Defence Prize (1995) and the Plumey Prize from the Academy of Sciences (1974).
Paul KUENTZMANN also wrote numerous publications, including: ONERA No. 151; Aerospace Research No. 1978-2 and 1979-1; Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol.2, No.4, 1985; AGARD Reading Series No.180, 1991; Liquid and hybrid propellant rocket engines: Aerospace research 1986/no.5.
