The MSOE National Fluid Power Association Vehicle Challenge team was named third place overall – and received a number of other honors – at the NFPA Fluid Power Challenge in Ames, Iowa. The team also took home best presentation, first place in endurance, and best vehicle design.

The NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge is designed to expose students to fluid power in a competitive setting that combines an existing technology, in this case a human-powered bicycle, with fluid power. Students were tasked with using hydraulics, instead of chains, to transfer the energy from pedaling into forward motion. Vehicles were judged for their design concept, reliability, safety, durability, craftsmanship and robustness by a panel of industry supporters.

After the design review, students participated in a sprint race, an efficiency challenge and endurance challenge. The one-mile endurance challenge, in which the MSOE team took first, demonstrated the reliability, safety, replicability, and durability of the fluid power system design and assembly.

The team was voted best vehicle design by peers at the competition, based on the innovation, uniqueness and originality of the design.

Members of MSOE’s NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge team are Juan Casiano, Chris Gloeckle, Nick Herche, Rob Lancaster, Paul Stran and Paul Weibel. Dr. Luis A. Rodriguez, an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, serves as faculty advisor.

The NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge competition was hosted by Danfoss Power Solutions, April 11-14, 2018.