The Engine Research Center, is devoted to fundamental research on spark ignition and diesel engines and has been a leader in Low Temperature Combustion research. It is one of several such programs in the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Mechanical Engineering in which faculty members work together to secure outside funds for research projects, advise graduate students, report on their work to the profession, and develop courses and textbooks based on their activities. The ERC's projects involve fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, sprays, emissions and health effects, lubrication, and powertrain systems. Particular emphasis has been placed on the application of optical diagnostic methods to engines, and computational fluid modeling of engine processes. The center's facilities include an array of lasers, instrumentation, emissions measurement systems, single-cylinder engine test stands and computer clusters. MS and PhD students who have graduated from this program hold leadership positions in industry and at major universities.

Professor David Foster is the current Director of the ERC and Kevin Hoag is the Associate Director. Center activities involve more than 80 people, including graduate students and staff. Seven faculty members lead the activities of the center: Michael Corradini, Patrick Farrell, David Foster, Jaal Ghandhi, Rolf Reitz, Chris Rutland, and Scott Sanders.

The ERC's primary activities are as follows:

1. Apply diagnostic and imaging methods to reciprocating engines, including phase Doppler particle analysis, laser Doppler velocimetry, particle image velocimetry and laser induced fluorescence to projects in combustion, emissions, heat transfer, spray diagnostics, ceramics and lubrication.
2. Initiate research in upgraded computational fluid models for spray breakup, spray-wall impingement, engine heat transfer, combustion, turbulence, intake flows and emissions.
3. Engage in diesel research funded by the Army and industry to increase power density, enhance air utilization, improve fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions.
4. Conduct small-engine research projects funded by the Wisconsin Small Engine Consortium and the state of Wisconsin to assist industry in meeting emissions standards while improving fuel economy.
5. Conduct funded gift and contract research with the U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation.
6. Conduct consortium-directed research projects funded by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Consortium (DERC) to assist engine manufacturers and related industries to meet futire diesel engine emissions regulations.
7. Conduct the Collaborative Research Laboratory between UW and General Motors Corporation for achieving the necessary understanding on the fundamentals of in-cylinder and aftertreatment technologies.
8. Conduct funded gift and contract research with major engine manufacturers and automotive companies such as Caterpillar, Ford and Honda.