Leadership in Engine Research

Engine Research Center

The Engine Research Center (ERC), a US Army Center of Excellence, is devoted to fundamental research on spark ignition and diesel engines. 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 Center has a long and distinguished record of research and education pertaining to internal combustion engines and advanced propulsion systems. 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. Current research includes such advanced topics as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion, direct-injection spark-ignition engine development, and advanced controls technologies.

Powertrain Control Research Laboratory

The Powertrain Control Research Laboratory was founded in 1989 as an independent research program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The laboratory's mission is to conduct research and to train engineers in powertrain system modeling, nonlinear engine diagnostics, and powertrain control. The central goal of the laboratory is to be a quality source for engineering talent, powertrain system knowledge, and expertise for industry, government, and academia.

Research conducted in this laboratory is highly interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together the thermal sciences, controls, dynamic analysis, design, and system identification disciplines in a systems approach. This mission addresses a growing need in the automobile and transportation industry for engineers and scientists with training and experience in these multidisciplinary areas. Research results are published in technical journals in order to provide the industry with the most recent advances in powertrain technical information.

Department of Engineering Professional Development

The mission of the Department of Engineering Professional Development (EPD) is to improve the practice of engineering and related professions for the benefit of society by

  • Providing state-of-the-art instruction to practicing professionals
  • Conducting and disseminating research
  • Enhancing the public's understanding of science and technology

Since 1949 Engineering Professional Development has been making learning at a distance easier for students. EPD's expertise includes developing effective courses to fit our clients' needs and providing the student support needed to guarantee student success.

EPD developed the Internet-based Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) program. This degree has won five major awards that recognize the exceptional quality of the program and distance delivery design. MEES is modeled after this successful program.