Students:
- Jason Charne,
- Paige Corvino,
- Christopher Golon,
- JJ Heindel,
- Matthew Southard
Advisors: N. Asper, G. Facas, M. Paliwal, B. Sepahpour.
The purpose of the Supermileage® competition, a part of the Society of Automotive Engineers’ collegiate design series, is to research, design and construct a single-person, fuel-efficient vehicle based on modern engineering principles while simultaneously raising awareness of energy conservation and employing green engineering philosophies. All vehicles are powered by a small, Briggs and Stratton four-cycle engine which can be modified within competition parameters. The 35th in Marshall, Michigan. All teams will be required to pass technical inspection tests such as braking, maneuverability, stability, and visibility. Vehicles will run a specified course of six (6) laps around a 1.6 mile track totaling 9.6 miles. Teams will be judged and have the possibility of gaining points in fuel economy, design initiative, design report, and design presentation categories.
The College of New Jersey’s inaugural Supermileage team consists of five senior mechanical engineering undergraduate students. The team wishes to tackle the essential design considerations, constraints, and limitations which will provide a competitive chance against returning and experienced Supermileage teams.
Such considerations include modification and optimization of the engine for iso-octane fuel and construction of a lightweight, three-wheeled aluminum frame and accompanying aerodynamic fairing. Additional considerations include wheel selection to reduce rolling resistance and an efficient drivetrain designed for optimal engine speed. During all stages of design, driver safety and vehicle manufacturability will be taken into account.
In addition to a successful showing at this year’s competition, the team wishes to set the foundation for future TCNJ Supermileage teams. This includes capturing underclassmen interest and providing opportunities for their participation in this year’s project. Furthermore, the team will create test procedures and design processes that can be followed, modified and built upon by proceeding teams. annual competition will be hosted on June 5-6th