Manfred Klüppel is a retired German Institute for Rubber Technology department head of Material Concepts and Modeling group known for his development of theories of contact mechanics on fractal surfaces[1] and of reinforcement by fillers of elastomers[2].
In 2002, he became the head of the material concepts and modeling department.
He was simultaneously a lecturer at the Leibniz University Hannover, where he taught elastomer physics and rubber technology.
His long collaboration with Gert Heinrich produced a multi-scale contact mechanics theory for fractal surfaces[1], which was recognized by the tire industry for its predictions of tire traction in both dry and wet conditions.
Also a fractal theory of rubber reinforcement by fillers[2].