Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
ENGINEERING COLLOQUIUM
Monday, March 14, 2011 / 3:30 PM, Building 3 Auditorium
Photo Credit: Edison2
Ron Mathis
"The 100 mpg Car"
ABSTRACT -- In September 2010 Edison2 was awarded the Automotive X Prize. This 2 year effort by the Edison2 team culminated in a process and car that set new standards of efficiency in automotive design and construction and both dynamic and aerodynamic performance. Edison2's Very Light Car builds on a first principles analysis of energy outlay and recovery and incorporates the findings into a platform that is a previously unattained combination of light weight and low aerodynamic drag. Ron Mathis led the engineering team that designed the VLC and will discuss their approach, findings, lessons learned and next steps.
SPEAKER -- Ron Mathis parlayed a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (London South Bank University, 1985) into a quarter century career in professional auto racing. He has designed and race engineered for small independent teams and flagship factory race programs, most recently Audi's Le Mans sportscar effort. Among Ron's successes are victories at Le Mans and Daytona. Ron's engineering heroes are Reid Railton and Harry Miller. Away from the workshop, Ron enjoys travel and is a commercial pilot.
Colloquium Committee Sponsor: Brent Warner
Engineering Colloquium home page: https://ecolloq.gsfc.nasa.gov