Engine Valvetrain Design Series

• Module A1: Overview of IC Engines Relative to Valvetrains
• Module A2: Valvetrain Performance and Sub-System Breakdown
• Module A3: Overview and Keys to Valvetrain Modeling
• Module A4: Camshafts, Cam Lobes, and Followers
• Module A5: Roundtable Review of Valvetrain Hardware and Designs

 Engine Valve Motion Control

• Module B1: Valvetrain Linkages and Rocker Arms
• Module B2: Variable Valvetrain Systems – Cam Timing, De-activation, and Engine Braking Systems
• Module B3: Variable Valvetrain Systems – Profile Switching, Combined Systems, Fully Variable, Passenger Car VVA Options, and Camless
• Module B4: Roundtable Review of Valvetrain Hardware and Designs

Valvetrain Component Design Considerations

• Module C1: Cam Drive Systems
• Module C2: Valve and Spring System
• Module C3: Lash Compensating Devices
• Module C4: Valvetrain Support Structure and Analysis Methods
• Module C5: Roundtable Review of Valvetrain Hardware and Designs

Valvetrain Lubrication, Failures, and Validation

• Module D1: Valvetrain Failure Modes
• Module D: Lubrication and Tribology
• Module D3: Valvetrain Testing and Validation
• Module D4: Valvetrain Kinematic and Dynamic Modeling
• Module D5: Roundtable Review of Valvetrain Hardware and Designs

Valvetrain System Design and Modeling

• Module E1: Fundamentals of Cam Profile Design
• Module E2: The Acceleration Curve
• Module E3: Cam Profile Design Workshop
• Module E4: Roundtable Review of Valvetrain Hardware and Designs

This course can be taken online anytime and offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to complete it online at your own pace. Designed to mirror the in-person version, it includes additional learning quizzes for an enhanced educational experience. The course consists of five individual modules from the Engine Valvetrain Design Series, and participants will receive a comprehensive course notebook shipped upon registration. Please refer to the course outline for detailed information.

Note: Students outside the USA are responsible for covering the shipping cost of the course material binder.

• Program Director

  Blake Suhre

• Instructors

  Bruce Dennert

  Adjunct Assistant Professor

  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.

• Instructors

  Bruce Dennert

  Adjunct Assistant Professor

  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.

  Jim McCarthy

  Chief Engineer

  Jim McCarthy is Chief Engineer for Vehicle Technologies and Innovation at Eaton. His previous roles were Engineering Manager for Advanced Valvetrain Actuation for North American and Asian markets located in Marshall, MI and Engineering Manager for Exhaust Aftertreatment Solutions located in Southfield, MI. Prior to joining Eaton, Jim worked on diesel engine technologies at Detroit Diesel.

  Jim has focused his engineering career on product innovation and growth to develop and integrate serial production solutions for engine technologies while optimizing power generation to conserve fossil fuels and reduce emissions.

  McCarthy received his Ph.D., Masters of Science and Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
• Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
• You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
• Provide the registrations representative with:
  • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
  • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
• Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
• Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Once you have accessed the online course, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.