Mechanical Engineering Students Place 1st in National Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge

A group of five mechanical engineering seniors participated in the National Fluid Power Association’s (NFPA) Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge in Littleton, Colorado. The competition brings together universities from across the country, including Texas A&M, Purdue University, and Cleveland State University. The goal of the competition is to promote fluid power and challenge students to learn the entire design process of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

This is our University’s second year to compete, and we placed 1st in the Efficiency Challenge again! The team also received awards for the Best Presentation and Judge’s Choice for Design. “I am so proud of our students for how well they represented our college at this national competition. Their performance is a true testament to our program’s ability to prepare students for success,” said Dean Khattab.

Beginning with a recycled bicycle frame, our team welded a whole new rear structure to support their hydraulic circuit – which included an accumulator for storing energy, a mechanism to regenerate energy, and an electronic control system. Members developed the design and participated in design reviews throughout the past year as part of their capstone project.

The students, Matthew Ryder, Peter Fabre, Logan Sullivan, Alexander Landry, and Alexander Lamb, were advised by mechanical engineering instructor, Yasmeen Qudsi, and industry advisor, Marcus Herrera, from HYDAC Technology Corporation. “The judges and industry representatives were all impressed by their professionalism and unique design. Some students even walked away with job offers!” said Yasmeen Qudsi.