The Future of Automotive Propulsion: One Perspective
Thursday, September 1st, 2011Thursday, September 1, 2011 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Room 610, M&M Building
Dr. Edward P. Becker
Materials Technical Specialist General Motors, LLC
Abstract
The worldwide demand for automotive transportation remains strong even as the price of conventional fuels rises. General Motors is committed to providing safe and affordable vehicles which run on whatever fuel is available in a particular market. To assist in extending the current supply of fossil fuels, automakers (including GM) are expanding the use of fuel-saving technologies such as variable valve actuation, cylinder deactivation, additional forward-speed transmissions, and hybrid powertrains. In addition, vehicles which run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and alcohol-gasoline blends (such as E85) are commercially available. GM has also demonstrated a hydrogen fueled, internal combustion engine vehicle and is aggressively pursuing fuel cells for automotive transportation in the future.
Biography
Ed Becker is a Technical Specialist in the Materials Engineering Department at General Motors Powertrain in Pontiac, Michigan. His responsibilities include initiating and managing research and development activities related to innovative materials and processes for GM engines and transmissions. Ed Becker is Past President and a Fellow of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. He has worked for General Motors for over 28 years, mostly in the Powertrain division working on a variety of GM engines and transmissions. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Michigan.
Ph.D. and M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan M.S, Metallurgical Engineering, University of Illinois B.S., Metallurgical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology
