TRANSURBAN Vehicle Efficiency Test Day
20 Oct 2007

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Student's designs were tested at the 2007 TRANSURBAN Vehicle Efficiency Day. 10 schools brought 15 vehicles through a series of four tests: Aerodynamics, Rolling Resistance, Weight and Manoeuvrability. Bendigo Youth Racing (BYR), the RACV and RMIT's Formula SAE team: 'RMIT Racing' helped run the stations. The tests were developed by the RACV Energy Breakthrough Planning Committee and RMIT's Simon Watkins, Professor of Automotive & Mechanical Engineering.

Prof. Simon Watkins explaining the key concepts of aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance at the beginning of both the morning and afternoon session. This presentation provided a framework for the aerodynamic, rolling resistance and weight tests and how they interlink. Whilst some of the details on Drag Coefficients were missed by some - the focus on minimising 'flow separations' was what all the teams were looking for in the wind tunnel later in the day. Whilst some may have thought the day was all about vehicle testing, it also provided a great learning experience for the students who were able to learn how to improve their vehicles, speak with members of other teams, BYR and RMIT Racing.

Test 1: The Wind Tunnel Each team enjoyed about 15-20 minutes in RMIT's full size wind tunnel. The vehicles were rigged to a small strain gauge which tested the aerodynamic drag at 30, 40 & 50km/h. As the vehicles were tested without a person inside, some became unstable above 40 km/h and were only tested at the lower speeds. Students and teachers were able to speak with the RMIT students about flow separations around their vehicle, cover & uncover vents, highlight the good features and explore areas for improvement. "We learnt more in 20 minutes in the wind tunnel today than we have in the past 4 years"  - Andrew, Team Manager, Kingswood College

Test 2: Vehicle Weight RMIT Racing's wheel weights were used to obtain overall vehicle weight and distribution between the three or four wheels. The heaviest vehicle (hybrid) was 106 kg, the lightest HPV was 23kg. Test 3: Rolling Resistance Initially a tow truck was to be the testing mechanism for rolling resistance, but on the day strain gauges and manual tests out of the wind proved to be a better process. The results produced a wide spread - from 1.5 to 14.

Test 4: Manoeuvrability A twisted course - designed by BYR - tested driver and vehicle's manoeuvrability. Many times the rider failed to take the right path in a precursor to this year's Try-Athlon obstacle course. Each team rode their own vehicle for one lap, then BYR rode their vehicle for one lap as independent testers. The hybrids and different steering set-ups made for talking points throughout the day.

Results and Simon's presentation will be distributed to all schools involved. Feedback was collected from teachers on the day and considered for possible future events. Special thanks to the Energy Breakthrough's John Stafford, RACV's John Doolan, Bendigo Youth Racing, RMIT's Formula SAE team: RMIT Racing Do you have photos or feedback from the day? If so, email online[at]racvenergybreakthrough.net Teams In Attendance Berwick SC Diamond Creek PS Dingley PS Flora Hill SC Highview College Kingswood College Mater Christi College St Mary's, Nathalia Stawell SC Weeroona College

About Transurban Transurban joined the RACV Energy Breakthrough in 2006, with support focused upon improving the timing and display of results at the event, and other Victorian HPV events. Transurban is a $6 billion company with more than 10 years experience in the development, ownership and management of complex toll road infrastructure. The company is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, where it is ranked within the Top 50 companies. In September 2006, Transurban was added to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World list of high performing companies. Their involvement in the Breakthrough highlights and desire to support community events and encourage sustainable transport practices. Photos and article written by Nigel Preston, RACV Energy Breakthrough Planning Committee.