IC Engine Mechanical Design

Learn fundamental design variables for the slider crank and block, the valvetrain and cylinder head, and the piston/ring power cylinder. Learn the latest technologies to improve your products and receive practical expertise on topics including crankshafts and connecting rod design, valvetrain dynamics design, heat transfer and thermal loading, and bearing and lubrication systems. 

• Engineers who work for IC engine companies
• Engineers of suppliers for IC engine companies (Tier I and Tier II)
• Engineers of companies who purchase IC engines for their machines
• Technicians and managers in automotive, marine, or small engine markets

Slider Crank Mechanisms

Balancing Slider Cranks

Cyclic Speed and Torsional Vibration

Crankshaft and Connecting Rod Design

Bearing sizing, Materials, and Development

Block and Cylinder Head Design

Heat Transfer and Thermal Loading

Bolted Joints

Valvetrain Design Overview

Valvetrain Dynamics

Variable Cam Timing

Piston Design

Critical Piston Design Features

Piston Ring Overview

Piston Ring Design

Cylinder Bores

Engine Lubricants and Deposit Mechanisms

Lubrication Systems 

Bruce Dennert

R. Bruce Dennert is the president and principal engineer of CamCom, Inc., as well as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He previously worked at Harley-Davidson Motor Company for 34 years, holding several powertrain engineering positions. His experience includes working with many engine mechanical systems and many types of valve trains. Dennert holds a bachelor's degree in physics from Carroll College, a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and a master of engineering in professional practice from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Michael Andrie

Michael Andrie is a program director and a researcher at the Engine Research Center (ERC) at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. He has more than 35 years of experience in engine development. Andrie began his engineering career at John Deere and then spent 17 years at Cummins Engine Company, where he managed and developed engines for the automotive, industrial, and marine markets. He joined the University of Wisconsin in 2007 and is active in research, mentoring, consulting, and continuing engineering education. Andrie holds several patents and is author on numerous publications. He also serves as the program manager for the over 35 members of the “Direct-injection Engine Research Consortium” (DERC) and the Biennial ERC symposium. Andrie holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Mike Schubel

Mike Schubel retired in January, 2016 after 37 years as a Technical Advisor for Cummins, Inc. His areas of expertise include engine structural analysis and testing, mechanical development and system validation. Prior to Cummins he was employed for 8 years by the US Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB as an aerospace engineer, working on military aircraft gas turbine engine projects, in FE structural analysis of rotating components, and in mechanical development of various mechanical systems.