Supermileage sets goals to succeed
(From left) Saajan Pater, senior industrial management technology major, assists senior technology major, Tom Swanberg, test the cam shaft design of the supermileage vehicle Jan. 22, 2014 in the basement of Still Gym. They estimated the craft would get 1,600 miles to the gallon. They achieved 1,173 miles per gallon in 2013, while their goal for 2014 was 2,000 miles per gallon.
January 23, 2014
NIU’s Supermileage team is preparing its car for upcoming competitions this spring and fall.
The team has now started work on tests and designs for the car. Team members are preparing for a competition in April, where they can test their own cars’ engine and speed before competing in international competitions.
“Last year we got 1,173 miles per gallon,” said Supermileage team President Aaron McKeown. “This year we are hoping to double that by making some improvements to the efficiency of the engine.”
McKeown was previously a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers baja team before joining the Supermileage team. Tom Swanberg, NIU Automotive Engineers President, is also looking forward to improving the Supermileage team’s record. There are four other programs within Society of Automotive Engineers, including snowmobiles, baja, formula and aero team.
The baja builds off-road vehicles. That team’s main goal is building a lightweight yet structurally integrated vehicle. They are also focusing on suspension dynamics and the car’s handling.
“The snowmobile team is focusing on fuel consumption, efficiency, sound population and omissions, and a motor that will run on any fuel at the competition,” Swanberg said.
The formula team has been working on the aerodynamics, power to the wheels, breaking and overall maneuvering of its vehicles. These teams are making adjustments and preparing for future competitions.
The Supermileage team also has a lot to do before the competition, such as testing vehicle parts and tweaking designs to get the best competition results.
“The overall goal is to have a [complete design] and complete all the goals and, essentially, win the competition,” Swanberg said. “Even if we are not first place there is really always room for improvement.”
Swanberg has been a part of the Supermileage team since last semester and was also previously a member of the baja team.
The first competition for the team is the Shell Eco-Marathon, an international meet sponsored by Shell Oil Company. It will take place on April 25. The Society of Automotive Engineers Supermileage competition is June 5. The team welcomes anyone to join even without engineering experience.
Aside from entering competitions, the teams are planning to lend a hand in STEM Outreach.
“They are also extremely involved in STEM Outreach,” said Amanda Carrier, College of Engineering marketing specialist. “They go to our events and projects for little kids and attend workshops, and they also give tours for middle schools and high schools across the region.”