Welcome to the Engine Research Center
The Engine Research Center (ERC) is world-leading research and educational institution dedicated to investigating the fundamental thermo-physical processes that control combustion performance and the pollutant emissions formed during combustion in internal combustion engines. The problems are approached with a unique combination of modeling and experimental capabilities. This work is supported by fundamental studies of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, sprays, emissions, laser diagnostics and after-treatment systems.
Research in the ERC spans from small spark-ignition engines to heavy-duty diesel engines, and a major focus is on low-temperature modes of combustion.
Popular Links
Announcements
DOE Secretary Chu's Remarks on ERC LTC Research
DOE Secretary Chu highlighted ERC Low Temperature Combustion research January 11th at the Detroit Economic Club, quote:
“Research we’ve supported by the University of Wisconsin and Sandia National Labs has shown that low-temperature combustion could considerably improve engine efficiency and increase the fuel economy of light-duty vehicles by more than 50 percent.”
Rothamer Wins CAREER Award
Assistant Professor David Rothamer has received a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER). This prestigious award provides $405,000 over five years to pursue gas temperature diagnostic development using an innovative laser-based phosphor approach. See the full story here, and the abstract of the project here.
Reitz Honored For Contributions To Combustion Research
Mechanical Engineering professor Rolf Reitz received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2011 Internal Combustion Engine Award. Reitz was recognized for his long-term contributions to the physics of liquid fuel spray atomization, 3-D numerical modeling of combustion, and combustion system optimization. He has demonstrated that multiple injections of fuel can reduce emissions in diesel engines, and pioneered Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition.
ERC spinoff receives $1.5 million for optimizing dual-fuel engines
By Christie Taylor, College of Engineering News
A spinoff company created by two University of Wisconsin-Madison Engine Research Center (ERC) faculty members was awarded $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
The DOE award addresses a DOE vehicle technologies goal to reduce the fuel consumption of on-highway vehicles, which account for 55 percent of total U.S. oil use.