Designing for Efficiency

David Sianez, assistant professor of Technology and Engineering Education at Central, works with students to design human powered vehicles that may contribute to the design of more efficient vehicles.



Since 2004, Sianez and his students have annually designed a new vehicle that is tested and raced on tracks in Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut and North Carolina against universities and professional teams for endurance and speed. Students in engineering, graphic arts and biomolecular science worked together to design the 2010 vehicle. After competitions, the vehicles are donated to high school engineering programs.

From May 7-9, 2010, Central will host the American Society for Mechanical Engineers Human Powered Vehicle Challenge where 30 teams compete to design and build aerodynamic vehicles used for everyday activities. The actual racing will take place at Stafford Motor Speedway.

“Our main focus isn’t winning awards, but to integrate technology and new ideas in order to develop aesthetically appealing vehicle designs that incorporate aerodynamic efficiency and passenger ergonomics,” said Sianez.