With a growing array of renewable fuel options, engineers must navigate complex trade-offs in combustion behavior, energy density, emissions, and infrastructure. This course provides a foundational understanding of fuel thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and system compatibility, while also addressing the economic and environmental implications of each pathway. Through real-world data and engineering analysis, participants will gain the tools to make informed decisions about fuel selection and combustion system design.

• Apply principles of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics to evaluate combustion performance across various renewable fuels.
• Analyze the trade-offs between fuel types in terms of energy density, emissions, cost, and compatibility with combustion systems.
• Explain the economic and regulatory landscape shaping the future of mobility fuels and delivery infrastructure.

• Internal combustion engine and powertrain engineers exploring renewable fuel integration.
• Technicians, project managers, and engineering managers working in mobility, energy, or sustainability sectors.
• Early-career engineers and professionals in adjacent fields seeking a deeper understanding of combustion-based alternatives to electrification.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of:

• Chemistry
• Thermodynamics
• IC Engines

1. Comparing Alternatives
2. Combustion Thermodynamics
3. Combustion Chemical Kinetics
4. Sprays
5. Motor Fuel Characteristics
6. Matching to Combustion Systems
7. Statistics
8. EROI and Economic Growth
9. Delivery Pathways
10. Negative Externalities
11. Implications for the Future

Blake Suhre

Blake Suhre is Program Director, Power Engineering in Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro) at UW-Madison. He has over 30 years of experience in many aspects of vehicle and powertrain systems, engine systems, and controls development. He was involved in the initial development of model-based controls for internal combustion engines and has experience applying these techniques to all varieties of combustion system in use today. He was co-founder of the MotoTron Corporation and has held a variety of leadership roles in engine systems development and R&D. Suhre holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Kevin Hoag

Kevin L. Hoag holds Emeritus status with the University of Wisconsin and retired as an Institute Engineer from the Southwest Research Institute. Throughout his career which began at Modine Mfg. and then Cummins, Inc. he has focused on internal combustion engines, with emphases in thermodynamics, combustion and heat transfer. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Today, Mr. Hoag resides in San Antonio, where retirement allows additional time to enjoy seven grandchildren and a passion for wildlife photography.

Todd Fansler

Todd Fansler received a PhD. in physics from Princeton University. He joined the Engine Research Center as an Honorary Fellow in 2012 after retiring as Director of the Propulsion Systems Research Laboratory at General Motors Research & Development. Most of his 33-year GM career was devoted to developing and systematically applying optical diagnostics for internal-combustion-engine flow fields, fuel sprays, combustion, and emissions. His research, publications, and presentations have been recognized with awards from SAE, GM, and the Combustion Institute, among other organizations. A Fellow of SAE and of the Institute of Physics, Todd currently serves as Reviews Editor of the International Journal of Engine Research.

David Foster

Dr. David Foster is the Phil and Jean Myers Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and former director of the UW Engine Research Center. With over 40 years of experience in diesel and spark-ignition combustion research, he continues to consult for the internal combustion engine community, both domestic and international, as well as the U.S. National Laboratories. Dr. Foster holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has taught courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion. His research focused on improving the understanding of combustion and emissions processes to develop cleaner, more efficient engines. His work has included applying optical diagnostics to engine systems, developing sub-grid scale models for CFD simulations, as well as phenomenological models for engineering simulations. Dr. Foster has received numerous awards for his teaching and research contributions and remains active in advancing propulsion technologies.

Barb Goodrich

Barbara E (Barb) Goodrich is a Consultant with B.E. Goodrich Consulting. Barb has over 45 years’ experience in the automotive fuel and lubricant industry. Her expertise is in fuels, alternative fuels, lubricants, additives, automotive fuel and lubrication systems, and alternative energy. She retired from John Deere in June 2024 after 18 years. At John Deere, Barb had global technical responsibility for fuels (conventional and alternative), fuel issues, fuel additive products, engine oil formulations and products, and engine oil issues. A major industry issue she was heavily involved in were internal diesel injector deposits (IDID) found in compression-ignition high-pressure common rail fuel systems.

Prior to joining John Deere, Barb held technical positions at various companies including two oil companies, a fuel additives company, an independent lubricants manufacturer company and an automotive research institute. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a MS in Chemical Engineering both from Michigan State University. 

Barb is an active member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Coordinating Research Council (CRC) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). She holds two patents.