Future Combustion Fuels for Mobility

Introduction (Day 1)

1. Overview

1. Definitions
2. Fuel Types

1. Solids
2. Liquids
3. Gases

1. Prime movers

1. Internal-Combustion Engines
2. Gas Turbines
3. Sterling Engines
4. Rocket Engines

1. History

1. Comparing Alternatives: Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Hydrogen, Coal, Wood, Batteries, Capacitors, (Nuclear?)

1. Energy density
2. Power density
3. Cost
4. Accessibility
5. Durability
6. Environmental Impact 

Physics and Application (Day 2)

1. Combustion Thermodynamics

1. Mixtures
2. Stoichiometry
3. Chemical Energy
4. 1^st Law
5. 2^nd Law

1. Combustion Chemical Kinetics (comparison chart)

1. Elementary reactions
2. Chain reactions
3. Global reactions
4. Premixed Flames
5. Diffusion Flames
6. Volumetric combustion
7. Emissions Mechanisms and Abatement

1. NOx
2. PM
3. HC

1. Sprays

1. Formation
2. Size Distribution
3. Dynamics
4. Vaporization
5. Injection

1. Motor Fuel Characteristics

1. Energy density
2. Reactivity

1. Octane scale
2. Cetane scale

1. Vapor Pressure
2. Viscosity
3. Distillation Curve
4. Chemical Content

1. Matching to Combustion Systems

1. Efficiency
2. Power
3. Fuel preparation
4. Charge preparation
5. Combustion chamber 

Economics (Day 3)

1. Statistics

1. Global consumption by source
2. Historical and projected consumption
3. Global per capita consumption
4. Future projections

1. EROI and Economic Growth
2. Delivery Pathways

1. Fossil Fuels
2. Bio Fuels
3. Synthetic Fuels

1. Negative Externalities

1. Health
2. Climate
3. Environment

1. Implications for the Future

1. Demand
2. Regulatory Requirements
3. Mix
4. Applications

Registration Date/Time:
10/21/2025 7:30am Central Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 10/21/2025  8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time
• 10/22/2025  8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time
• 10/23/2025  8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time

• Instructors

  Blake Suhre

  Program Director

  Blake Suhre is Program Director, Power Engineering in Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro) at UW-Madison. He has over 30 years of experience in many aspects of vehicle and powertrain systems, engine systems, and controls development. He was involved in the initial development of model-based controls for internal combustion engines and has experience applying these techniques to all varieties of combustion system in use today. He was co-founder of the MotoTron Corporation and has held a variety of leadership roles in engine systems development and R&D. Suhre holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  Kevin Hoag

  instructor

  Mr. Hoag has over 45 years of experience in diesel and gasoline engine development, in both industrial and academic environments, and is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He holds the position of Institute Engineer, the highest technical level position at SwRI. He is a past chair of SwRI’s Advisory Committee for Research (ACR). Experience is wide ranging and includes both diesel and spark-ignition combustion, engine performance development and emission control, engine layout and balance, casting, forging and materials, structural fatigue analysis, air handling, cooling, and lubrication systems. Experience also includes significant customer interaction, engine application and service, and engineering education.

  Mr. Hoag’s primary expertise is in engine thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics. He also has significant experience in engine temperature control, engine lubrication and wear. Work experience includes two years in automotive heat exchanger development (Modine Mfg.), 16 years in diesel engine development (Cummins, Inc.), and 14 years in engineering education and engine research (University of Wisconsin), prior to joining SwRI in 2013. Through 2023 he held an appointment at the University of Wisconsin, teaching one graduate engineering course by distance each semester. He was awarded Emeritus status at the conclusion of the Fall 2023 term.

  Specific highlights of his technical contributions include development of explicit formulation for Second Law analysis of IC engines; Creation and management of the Heat & Fluids group at Cummins, Inc.; Founding director and lead developer of the Master of Engineering in Engine Systems (MEES) program at the University of Wisconsin.

  PATENTS & PUBLICATIONS: Seven patents, two textbooks (Vehicular Engine Design, Springer-Verlag, 2015, and Skill Development for Engineers, IEE Press, 1999), and over 35 technical publications. Engine design editor for the Encyclopedia of Automotive Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2015.

  HONORS & AWARDS: Arch Colwell Merit Award for Outstanding Technical Publication, Society of Automotive Engineers; Two-time recipient of SAE Outstanding Younger Member Award; Elected Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2017; Directed group at Cummins that received the inaugural Glen L. Martin Award for Corporate Leadership in Continuing Engineering Education from the International Association for Continuing Engineering Education. Emeritus, University of Wisconsin

  David Foster

  Professor Emeritus, Senior Lecturer

  Dr. David Foster is the Phil and Jean Myers Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and former director of the UW Engine Research Center. With over 40 years of experience in diesel and spark-ignition combustion research, he continues to consult for the internal combustion engine industry and U.S. National Laboratories. Dr. Foster holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has taught courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion. His research focuses on improving the understanding of combustion and emissions processes to develop cleaner, more efficient engines. He is a pioneer in applying optical diagnostics to engine systems, including laser-based techniques for in-cylinder measurements. Dr. Foster has received numerous awards for his teaching and research contributions and remains active in advancing propulsion technologies through the Engine Research Center.

  Todd Fansler

  Honorary Associate/Fellow

  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.
  

  Barb Goodrich

• Program Director

  Blake Suhre

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of:

• Chemistry
• Thermodynamics
• IC Engines

This course has two attendance options, face-to-face or online.

Face-to-face attendance fee includes morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, and course materials.

Online attendance fee includes online instruction and course materials.  Online attendees will access course sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform.

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.

If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.