The Automotive Laboratory has supported many industry-sponsored research projects aimed at the design, validation and testing of automotive systems and components. Past research collaborators include DENSO, Toyota Motor Corp. and the US Army’s Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center—TARDEC. Additional projects have been sponsored through the Center for Advanced Vehicle Design and Simulation—CAViDS.
Through synergistic collaboration on automotive projects our research partners benefit from:
- Dedicated space for testing automotive components and systems.
- Faculty expertise on a wide range of engineering disciplines.
- Direct faculty involvement in research projects.
- Laboratory technicians proficient in the maintenance and instrumentation of automotive components and systems.
- Training a new generation of engineers through direct participation of students in research projects, internships and co-op opportunities.
Research projects are conducted under faculty guidance and with support from skilled laboratory personnel (instrumentation specialists, machinists and automotive technicians). Undergraduate and graduate students are key contributors to the success of these projects, which augment classroom instruction by providing students practical technical training and opportunities to develop interpersonal skills.