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Challenge X
Team Members Begin Using Computer Software to Design Virtual
Eco-Friendly Vehicles
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students and faculty
recently joined peers from eight North American universities and
colleges in receiving training on engine simulation computer software
which will be used during the Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable
Mobility competition.
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| Creating Vehicles With
Software: Rose-Hulman Challenge X project members (from left)
Professor Zac Chambers, senior Paul Mikrut and senior Brad Mernone
used the GT-SUITE engine simulation software, provided by Gamma
Technologies, Inc., to build a four cylinder engine during a
recent two-day workshop. |
Senior mechanical engineering students Paul Mikrut and Brad Mernone
joined Zac Chambers, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, in
learning how to use engine simulation software, GT-SUITE, provided by
Gamma Technologies, Inc. (Westmont, Ill.). The software will be used to
develop vehicles for the competition.
Two copies of GT-SUITE were donated to Rose-Hulman's Challenge X
team. The software is a top of the line tool for the design and analysis
of engines, powertrains and vehicles. Each copy of the software costs
nearly $50,000, according to Chambers.
"This software is amazing," the professor stated. "On the first day
we built a four cylinder engine and could watch the temperature and
pressure pulses through the exhaust, as well as estimate torque,
efficiency and emissions production. This is a top-shelf design and
modeling tool."
Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility is a unique three-year
program uniting academia, government and industry to explore vehicle
solutions that will reduce energy consumption and decrease emissions
through leading-edge automotive propulsion, fuels, materials, and
emissions-control technologies. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of
Energy, General Motors and more than two dozen other sponsors, such as
Gamma Technologies, Challenge X brings Rose-Hulman and 16 other North
American universities together to follow a hands-on, real-world
engineering process based on GM's Global Vehicle Development Process.
"I can't wait to start modeling our biodiesel engine and start
tweaking it for maximum efficiency," stated Mikrut, one of nearly 75
Rose-Hulman students working on 15 teams to figure out how to
re-engineer a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, a compact SUV. "This is the
(software) tool I've been waiting for."
Chambers is also looking to extend the use of GT-SUITE beyond
Challenge X and into an advanced vehicle simulation course being taught
during the winter quarter. The class the follow up on issues taught in
the regularly-offered internal combustion engines course.
Joining Rose-Hulman in the Challenge X project are Michigan
Technological University, Mississippi State University, Ohio State
University, Pennsylvania State University, San Diego State University,
Texas Tech University, University of Akron, University of
California-Davis, University of Michigan, University of Tennessee,
University of Texas-Austin, University of Tulsa, University of Waterloo,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virginia Tech and West Virginia
University.
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