UTD Shell ECO Marathon

The University of Texas at Dallas chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (UTD ASME) competitions team is seeking funding to support the continued improvement of an Eco-conscious, urban concept vehicle. This project aims to further the real world knowledge of the mechanical engineering students in design, conceptualization and fabrication. This type of project is believed to be an absolutely vital part of an engineer’s education. Unfortunately, the degree currently offered by the University doesn’t address this kind of large-scale, open-ended project until the student’s senior year. UTD ASME seeks to prepare eager students with an opportunity to apply their textbook knowledge through fabrication projects such as Shell Eco-Marathon

The Shell Eco-Marathon is a competition that challenges students to conceptualize, design and fabricate an energy-efficient vehicle. This competition is split into two main categories: Prototype and Urban Concept. The Prototype category is purely based on the overall efficiency of the vehicle, with few limitations on the overall vehicle design. The Urban Concept category focuses on a fuel-efficient vehicle that would be applicable in city and suburban areas. This category requires students to design a car with features similar to that of cars on the market today.  The Urban Concept Category is UTD ASME’s chosen area of competition.

The goal of our team is to expose students to the design process from concept to prototype to fabrication and implementation. The selection of this project was based upon the team’s interest in the rise in popularity of energy-efficient vehicles. The team objective for this project is to present a light weight, aerodynamic vehicle at the Shell Eco-Marathon, and for future generations of students to continuously improve the vehicle every year.

Funding:

Current Funding:

The team has been able to raise a total of $5,216 through UTDesign, volunteer events, contract handyman work and donations from friends and family. The Shell Eco-Marathon Project is currently being financially supported by UTDesign, and the UTD Mechanical Engineering Department. The UTD Machine Shop has allowed students to use their machinery and services in order to machine the necessary parts to complete our project. Dunagroup has donated foam for our composite bodies negative mold. Fluid Drag Research will be donating their services to help cut our donated foam into the bodies negative mold. Boardwalk Maserati and Ferrari has donated stock car components to our car.  The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science has also donated $20,000 to help renovate our new lab to accommodate the Shell Eco Project.

Needed Funding:

In order to compete in the Shell ECO Marathon competition, the Competitions Team needs to raise a total of $3,000 for fabrication materials, travel and future improvements. Your generous donations to the project would not only help acquire the necessary material goods for UTD's Shell ECO Marathon team, but also further the education of tomorrow's engineers.

We encourage everyone to share this project with friends and family to help build a brighter future together. We would like to thank you in advance for any support we receive.