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June 23, 2016

Reitz receives John Johnson Award for Outstanding Research in Diesel Engines

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SAE International has honored Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus Rolf Reitz with the John Johnson Award for Outstanding Research in Diesel Engines.

The award recognizes authors of an SAE International outstanding technical paper that addresses research advancements in diesel engines and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in research and development in the field of diesel engines through a singular accomplishment or lifetime achievement.

Reitz, former director of the UW-Madison Engine Research Center, received the award at the SAE 2016 World Congress in Detroit.

His research concentrates on internal combustion engines. Reitz has developed practical methods for reducing pollutant emissions and improving fuel economy. Another major focus of his research is the development and application of computer models for the design of fuel-injected engines, and his spray and combustion models are widely used in the automotive industry. His heavy-duty diesel engine laboratory was the first to demonstrate that the use of multiple injections can give significant emissions reductions. Multiple injections are now implemented by all major diesel engine manufacturers.

Reitz’s recent work on diesel/gasoline dual-fuel reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) has demonstrated dramatic improvements in fuel economy while meeting stringent emissions mandates. In addition, his spray research has revealed new understandings about atomization mechanisms.

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