Engineering

Formula SAE team finishes well in national competition

The Penn State Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) team placed 17th overall at Ford's Michigan Proving Grounds May 16-20 at the annual Formula SAE Competition. More than 100 teams participated in the competition. Penn State placed among the top five in the acceleration, skid pad design and overall design categories. For the first time in many years, the team also fared well in the cost competition, placing ninth.

Participants were challenged to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small formula-style racing cars. Students' knowledge, creativity and imagination are key, given the limited restrictions and specifications for the car frame and engine.

The competition was an eye-opening experience for some first-time team members. "I had seen pictures of last year's competition, but there was nothing like the real thing. It was tiring, but I can't wait to come back next year," said first-year engineering student Colleen Zwilcher.

Sponsorship and support came from multiple sources, including General Motors, Shell and DaimlerChrysler.

"They have already begun to plan for next year's competition, with an eye toward placing first," said Gita Talmage, professor of mechanical engineering and the team's faculty adviser. "The team has brought very real honor to the University."

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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