The R&D Engineering Club is a collective of aspiring students who want to gain hands-on experience, a practical understanding of teamwork, and engine competency. We focus our efforts on competing annually in the SAE International Clean Snowmobile Challenge held in Houghton, Michigan. Each year we work towards building a more efficient and environmentally friendly diesel snowmobile. Throughout the year, we execute a series of preplanned steps to meet our goal of designing, modifying, and ultimately enhancing the performance of the snowmobile. To accomplish this, we apply the theoretical knowledge gained in class to the practical situation. Fabrication 3D Modeling CONTACT >>> Sam Wick (507) 272-3937 wickx155@d.umn.edu https://umd.collegiatelink.net/ organization/diesel https://facebook.com/ DieselClubUMD/
SAE CHALLENGE OVERVIEW The SAE International Clean Snowmobile Challenge (CSC) program is an engineering design competition for undergraduate and graduate students. The program provides participants with the opportunity to enhance their engineering design and project management skills by applying learned classroom theories in a challenging competition that tests their designs to re-engineer an existing snowmobile to reduce emissions and noise. Participants modified snowmobiles will compete in a variety of events including emissions, noise, fuel economy/endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start, and design. -SAE International Competition Classes Compression Ignition Class Objectives Spark Ignition Compression Ignition Zero Emission Reduce -NOx -CO 2 -Particulate Optimize -Output -Marketability -Manufacturability
R&D Snowmobile Technical Specifications Power Train * OM660 Mercedes Diesel Engine -Common Rail Injection (CDI) ~Ease of Use -Forced Induction - Turbo Charged -CHP Engine Control Unit with Custom Mapping ~Improve Power and Efficiency * Transmission -Diesel Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT) ~Continuously Variable Emission Control * Exhaust Gas Recirculation System -Reduces NOx * Two-Way Catalytic Converter -Reduces CO Emissions * Flow-Through Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) -Metal Fiber * NOx Trap -Reduces NOx Engine Transmission Emission Control
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT At R&D Engineering, we strive for excellence not only with our research and design, but also with our impact on the community. We work towards involving the community through three channels: University students, sponsors, and K-12 students.
STUDENT BODY Within the University we provide a learning environment where students from all departments can gain valuable experience with research, design, teamwork, leadership, and budget management. R&D Club participation supplements classroom learning with valuable hands-on experience; this sets up students for success in their future careers. REPRESENTING OUR SPONSORS While at competition, R&D Engineering is not only competing on behalf of the club and the University, but also on behalf of everyone that supported the club and made it possible. While competing in the spotlight on an international stage, R&D sponsors are prominently displayed and given the recognition they deserve. K-12 INVOLVEMENT Providing a positive impact through volunteering is one of R&D s core objectives. Working with youth is especially important, as we have an opportunity to introduce them to science and engineering. We present at high schools on every subject, from college life to competing in the sciences at an international level. We also work with middle school and elementary students through interactive hands-on activities that are designed to captivate their imaginations.