UL Engineering Group Receives Donation From Baker Hughes
Team to build fuel-efficient vehicle for 2013 Shell Eco-Marathon
A group of 13 mechanical engineering seniors from University of Louisiana are participating in the Shell Eco-Marathon set for next March. The team, led by Caleb Voisin, is building a fuel-efficient vehicle that is capable of achieving over 646 miles per gallon. The members are responsible for all aspects of the vehicle, from research and fundraising, to design and production.
"The Shell Eco-marathon competition is a highly competitive endeavor that requires student-engineers to perform at their best so that they can compete with top-ranked schools from around the country. It is my firm conviction that our students can compete and excel in this venture, demonstrating and building upon the engineering foundations that they have gained," said Dr. William Emblom, faculty advisor and assistant professor of mechanical engineering. "Their commitment to this project will require them to research and develop new engineering approaches that they have not encountered before in order to solve the problem of designing and building a high efficiency vehicle."
Before design and production can begin, the team must raise the money required to fully fund this project. The majority of the funds will be donations from local businesses in the Acadiana area. Baker Hughes in Lafayette was the first company to pledge monetary help to the team, and has generously donated $2,000.
"Baker Hughes is pleased to sponsor the UL students in their quest for ultimate fuel economy. The Shell Eco-Marathon project is a worthwhile effort both in the development of the next generation of industry leaders as well as in the pursuit of advancing conservation technologies. The oil and gas industry has an excellent track record for advancing technology to find more hydrocarbons but conservation and effective use of those resources will also be a key to our future," said Jace Melder, technical support manager with Baker Hughes in Lafayette.
Emblom said projects like this would not be possible without help from companies like Baker Hughes.
"Baker-Hughes and the UL Department of Mechanical Engineering have had a long relationship where they have supported our students' endeavors for which I thank them," he said.
For more about the University of Louisiana Shell-Eco Marathon team, visit http://ulleco.zymichost.com
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