Every year at the University of Evansville Mechanical and Civil Engineering Department, engineering students have the opportunity to participate in design projects that are affiliated with nationally-sponsored student competitions. These projects provide a practical application of the engineering principles students learn in the classroom, along with important team and project management skills they will need in their careers.
The concrete Canoe Competition, sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers, has the civil engineering students design, fabricate, and compete with a concrete canoe big enough to fit three people. The event challenges the students' knowledge, creativity and stamina, while showcasing the versatility and durability of concrete as a building material.
Last year UE placed third in the Great Lakes Region.
see more on this story
The Formula Car Competition, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers, is a great hands-on experience for engineering students. Most people are fascinated by formula race cars but never have a chance to experience the real thing. The engineering students here at the University of Evansville, however, have the chance to design, fabricate, and compete with small formula-style racing cars. The SAE competition includes over 140 universities participating, with teams from all over the globe.
Every year the mechanical engineering students from the University of Evansville compete in NASA's Great Moonbuggy Race, which is sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The Moonbuggy must be human powered and also must carry two students, one female and one male, over a half-mile simulated lunar terrain course including "craters", rocks, "lava" ridges, inclines and "lunar" soil. The mechanical design and fabrication of the vehicle are key for a successful race.
The 2007-08 Moonbuggy Team placed 1st in the NASA competition.
see more on this story
