Foster receives SAE International honor for outstanding diesel research

SAE International has honored David Foster, the Phil and Jean Myers professor emeritus of mechanical engineering, with its 2018 John Johnson Award for Outstanding Research in Diesel Engines.

The award recognizes an exceptional leader whose professional career has focused on advancing the field of diesel engines. Recipients of this award receive the SAE John Johnson Diesel Engine Research Medal and are recognized for technical innovations through experimental studies and modeling research of the engine, fuel and/or after-treatment system.

Foster is an internationally renowned consultant on engine combustion processes, emissions control and efficiency improvements. Engine and vehicle companies, petroleum companies and governmental agencies around the world seek his advice, and he has served as a consultant to more than 30 organizations. His exemplary career and leadership have led to state-of-the-art combustion, emissions and efficiency for internal combustion engines, and, ultimately, this award. He received the award at the SAE International 2018 WCX World Congress Experience in Detroit.

The prestigious award honors John H. Johnson, presidential professor emeritus with the Department of Mechanical Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University and a fellow of SAE International and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Johnson, who earned his PhD from the UW-Madison Department of Mechanical Engineering, is an expert in diesel engines and his experience spans a wide range of analysis and experimental work related to advanced engine concepts, emissions studies, fuel systems, engine simulation and exhaust after-treatment.