UVM AERO at the 2011 Vermont Tech Jam:

2011 Competition Results:

Last May we made our way to Loudon NH for the 2011 International SAE Formula Hybrid competition. At the technical inspection we had some set backs with our frame layout and electrical system. Despite the hard work through the nights we were unable to diagnose the electrical issues and therefore did not have a running car for competition. It was a disappointing moment in AERO's history but we were happy with the general outcome of Gen-3.

As we find ourselves back on campus for the start of another year, we're excited to get the car running. Our first priority is to get the wheels turning with a new wiring harness and some updates to the steering and braking. It has been a goal of AERO for the past few years that we allow for substantial testing and seat time with the car as to locate any troublesome areas months before competition. This looks to be a reality this year seeing as we are starting the year off with all the major components (frame, batteries, drivetrain) in place. We plan to have a turn-key vehicle that come spring will give us no surprises at competition.

AERO is back in business for the new academic year. Weekly meetings are being held every Thursday at 7pm in Perkins 101. Anyone is welcome to join! More updates to follow.

It has been very busy for AERO since the last update. The steering, firewall, and harness have all been put in. We plan on accomplishing a great deal over the next few weeks as well. Here we are so far:

Senior Mechanical Engineering student Mike C-S sits next to car prior to foam.

She Rolls!

It's 2011 and quite an exciting new year so far for AERO. This week is no exception. Barring unforeseen setbacks, we are only a few days from a rolling chassis. The suspension arm and drive train tabs have all been welded to the frame.

As i mentioned last time, the transaxle has been assembled for about a month. However, it has been broken down for cleaning and gasket fabrication. We had some brief issues with the transaxle oil delivery system but they have been solved thanks to the efforts of the transaxle team.

On the electrical end of things, we have had a number of setbacks which have resulted in some major changes. It was discovered last semester that our battery was no longer rules compliant and that a change was necessary. So, we have gone away from the custom A123 based packs that we had been using for the past 3 years and switched to an OEM bolt-in solution from a distributor in the UK.

In other news, last week was the first successful motor spin since the competition in May! It was a nice diversion from the recent northeast snowstorms which have left snow up to our waist in spots around campus.