Degree Program
Overview
In the United States, we currently use over 6,300 gallons of petroleum per second or over 40 quadrillion BTU of energy annually in the transportation sector. Meeting that energy demand through cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems is a vital goal that must be implemented at a grand scale. Research into the fundamental processes limiting next generation power train technologies is a major focus of the work at the University of Michigan. At the lower temperatures required to improve I.C. engine efficiencies, combustion chemistry becomes rate-limiting for power and performance. This video shows the actual in-cylinder processes occurring during an advanced mode of low-temperature engine operation, called homogeneous charge compression ignition or HCCI. The HCCI in this video is augmented by spark-igniting the fuel/air mixture to expand the range where the highly-efficient HCCI can operate.
The Automotive Engineering Program at the University of Michigan offers students the opportunity to improve their understanding of the basic principles of engineering while introducing the state-of-the-art technologies (like HCCI) in performance, safety, quality, manufacturing and sustainable practices.