WVU student race team receives award from DENSO Foundation

Photo courtesy of Tanner Miller.

West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Racing teamrecently received a $30,000 award from the DENSO North America Foundation in support of the development of an engine dynamometer testing facility. The facility will be used to test and tune the team’s racing engines.

The team submitted a proposal to the DENSO Foundation seeking funding to build an engine and powertrain dynamometer that will benefit WVU’s Formula SAE and Baja teams. The proposal included a problem statement describing the team’s need for a suitable engine testing facility, the goals and objectives of the project, a timeline for completion of the work and detailed budget.

The dynamometer will enable the Formula SAE team to conduct testing to tune their engine to achieve best performance and efficiency, and evaluate intake and exhaust systems, cooling systems, engine control unit options and fueling systems. The Baja team will use the dynamometer to test, tune and optimize their continuously variable transmissions.

“The Mountaineer Racing Formula SAE team is honored that our proposal was selected and funded by the DENSO North America Foundation” said Scott Wayne, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineeringand faculty advisor of the team. “I am proud of the hard work and dedication that my students devoted to writing a competitive grant proposal. We are grateful to the DENSO North America Foundation for sponsoring the WVU Formula SAE racing program. The grant will greatly enhance the competitiveness of the team.”

The award will also support travel to vehicle dynamics and engine tuning workshops where students will learn about the fundamentals of race car vehicle dynamics, data acquisition and analysis and engine tuning procedures.

Founded in 2001, the DENSO North America Foundation helps students advance their education in engineering, technology and other related programs by providing grants to colleges and universities that help communities prosper through the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. In recognition of the award, the competition cars will display the DENSO logo.

The gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the non-profit corporation that solicits and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

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