SI Engine Performance

Understand the design constraints and trade-offs to achieve improved fuel economy while meeting lower emissions. Receive an overview of engines, torque curves, PV thermodynamics, SI combustion and knock, air handling, fuels, fuel systems, friction, exhaust emissions mechanisms, regulations, and after treatment. You'll also learn the latest technologies, materials and controls for better fuel economy and lower emissions. 

• Engineers who work for IC engine companies and their suppliers
• Engineers of companies who purchase or use IC engines for their machines
• Technicians and managers in automotive, marine, or small engine markets
• Business associates in marketing, planning, purchasing, project management

Overview of Internal Combustion Engines

Torque Curves

Pressure-Volume Analysis, Work, and Power

Applying Thermodynamics in Compression, Combustion, and Expansion

Spark Ignition Combustion and Knock

Fuel and Ignition Systems

Fuel Chemistry and Specification

Air Handling in SI Engines

Friction in SI Engines

Exhaust Emission Mechanisms

SI Exhaust Aftertreatment

Exhaust Emission Regulations

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.

David Foster

David Foster is the Phil and Jean Myers Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the past director of the UW Engine Research Center. He has more than 40 years of experience in diesel and spark-ignition combustion research, and continues to be a consultant throughout the internal combustion engine industry and at US National Laboratories. Through these efforts he has gained practical engine development experience to complement his expertise in the fundamental sciences. Foster holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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 (acting) of the Propulsion Systems Research Laboratory at General Motors Research & Development. Most of his 33-year GM career was devoted to using optical diagnostics to study 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. A Fellow of SAE and of the Institute of Physics, Todd currently serves as Reviews Editor of the International Journal of Engine Research and on the Editorial Board of Measurement Science & Technology.