About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Goals for 2014 include:

1. Improved aerodynamic efficiency
2. Reduced vehicle weight
3. Increased fuel efficiency

To reach the first two goals, the manufacturing process will be very important. We are researching advanced methods for creating carbon fiber components that are very lightweight and very strong.

With a given set of rules, teams are faced with the challenge of orchestrating their entire operations. They must coordinate budgets, schedules, purchasing, designs, manufacturing, testings, etc. Once at a competition with several other universities, both the car and the team are judged in a series of static and dynamic events. The jury is comprised of leading industry professionals in the field of automotive engineering. They will judge the team’s ability to present their engineering designs, cost planning, and marketing objectives. The rest of the scoring is ultimately determined by the racecar’s performance on the track.

What is the significance of this project?

The automotive industry is moving in such a way to reduce environmental impact through low weight and low drag. By funding this project, you will be helping this team of future engineers gain important experience and skills that will be directly transferred to the automotive industry in the future. This will help push the cars on the road to be more cost effective and cleaner to operate.

What are the goals of the project?

Your support will be put toward raw materials used in the manufacturing of our aerodynamic system. This includes molds, structural fabrics, and the manufacturing costs involved.