Montana State University to Host ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge-West

NEW YORK, May 9, 2011 – A team of engineering students from Montana State University will lead a field of 17 collegiate teams set to participate in the 2011 ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC-West) beginning May 13.

Montana State will host the 3-day event, in which students will put aerodynamically designed human powered vehicles through speed and endurance tests on designated courses throughout the university’s Bozeman campus. The environmentally friendly pedal-powered prototypes also will be judged on maneuverability, practicality and design efficiency.

While featuring the work of some of today’s best and brightest mechanical engineering students, these “super bikes” will showcase engineering innovation that allows for optimum performance, safety and functionality. The HPVC-West event will feature the vehicles in a series of design, sprint, endurance and skills competitions. The first event is scheduled for May 14, at 8:00 a.m.

“The ASME competition brings classroom engineering theory and design to actual concept and fabrication,” said ASME President Robert T. Simmons, P.E. “These highly talented students learn to work in a team environment, providing them with some of the tools and experience they will need to be successful in the engineering workforce.”

The field of competitors in the ASME event will include teams from the University of Montana, Iowa State University, Portland State University, San Diego State University, University of Nevada (Reno), and Missouri University of Science and Technology, among others. An international event, the HPVC-West also will feature teams from The American University in Cairo, Egypt, and Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, India.

Judges will award cash prizes and trophies to the top teams in each category. Special recognition will go to teams that exhibit outstanding sportsmanship and team spirit.

The 2011 ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge is sponsored by Knovel^®, the leader in Web-based application integrating technical information with analytical and search tools.

Roster of Participating Universities and Vehicle Names

University of Montana College of Technology (Centipede) Montana State University, Bozeman (ThunderCat) Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Helios) Portland State University (Mjolnir) South Dakota School of Mining & Technology (Dynamic Revolution) California State University, Northridge (Matador) University of California, San Diego (Sphyrna) California State University, Chico (Catastrophe) California State University, Los Angeles (Eagle Riders) East Los Angeles College (Elander 2.0) University of Nevada, Reno (Tallulah) Florida Institute of Technology (Pantera) San Jose State University (The Beard) San Diego State University (Aztec Warrior) Missouri University of Science and Technology (Titan) Iowa State University (Green Machine) The American University (The Stallion) IIT(B), India (Param) Birla Institute of Technology and Science, India (BAAZ)

About ASME ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.