Modern Engine Technology from A to Z

Dr.-Ing. E.h. Richard van Basshuysen, VDI, was born in Bingen/Rhein, Germany, in 1932. Following an apprenticeship and then qualification as an automobile mechanic, he studied at the Technical University of Braunschweig/Wolfenbuttel from 1953 to 1955, graduating as a mechanical engineer. In 1982, he earned his university degree of engineering. From 1955 to 1965, he held a position in engineering sciences with Mineralolgesellschaft Aral AGIBP in Germany. In 1965, van Basshuysen joined NSU AG, where he directed the experimental unit working on engine and transmission development, including development of the Wankel engine, and rose to the position of vice director of experimental automotive engineering. In this position, he contributed to the development of a number of vehicles, including the Prinz 4, NSU 1000 and 1200, RO 80 and K 70. In 1969, NSU was taken over by what is now Audi AG, at which he assumed the post of director of development for luxury vehicles and director of engine and transmission development; he also was elected by the managerial employees to a seat on the supervisory board of Audi AG. His most significant development was the first passenger-car diesel engine with detoxified emissions, direct injection, and turbocharging, which van Basshuysen established in the face of considerable opposition in his own company within the VW Group. This engine featured a 20% reduction in fuel consumption, compared with its prechamber engine predecessor, coupled with high power output and torque levels, which established its preeminence worldwide. In Europe, the market share for this type of engine has grown from about 12% in 1989 to more than 50% in 2007. Subsequent to his corporate career, van Basshuysen founded an engineering office in 1992, which he still manages. His efforts now are dedicated to publishing the internationally recognized scientific and engineering journals ATZ (Automobiltechnische Zeitschrift; Journal of Automotive Engineering), and MTZ (Motortechnische Zeitschrift; Journal of Engine Engineering), performing consulting work for international automakers, providing engineering services, and writing and publishing scientific and engineering books, most of which have been translated into English. All told, he is the author or contributing author of more than 50 publications. His editorials have appeared regularly in ATZ and MTZ for more than 15 years.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fred Schafer was born in 1948 in Neuwied am Rhein, Germany. Following an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, he continued studying in that field at the State School of Engineering at Koblenz. He went on to complete studies at the University of Kaiserslautern, Institute for Engines and Machines, earning the degree of Dipl.-lng. His doctoral thesis was & “Studies of the Reaction Kinetics of Hydrogen/Methanol Combustion in the Otto Engine.” “Schafer’s career then took him to Audi AG in Neckarsulm, Germany, to fill the position of assistant head of development. During his ten years with the company, other positions held included manager of the experimental engine group, followed by his tenure as director of the engine design department. In 1990, Schafer was appointed professor for engines and machines at what was then the Technical University of lserlohn, now part of the Technical University of Southern Westfalia in lserlohn, where he directed the laboratory for combustion engines and flow machines. He is an active member of many university bodies, including the University Senate. In his current position as vice dean of theory and research, he is a member of the steering committee for the mechanical engineering faculty. Schafer is also active in the field of research and development of engine technology, both in a self-employed capacity and in cooperation with the company mpa-engineering. With Richard van Basshuysen, he published the journal supplement “Shell-Lexikon Verbrennungsmotor” (Shell Lexicon of the Combustion Engine) from 1996 to 2003, which appeared in book form in 2004 under the title Lexikon Motorentechnik (Lexicon of Engine Technology). Schafer has been a member of the VDI (Association of German Engineers) and of the Society of Automotive Engineers for many years.