Vehicle Research Institute

Western Washington University

Eric Leonhardt

Director

Vehicle Research Institute Background

Officially founded in 1975 by Dr. Michael SealFour year program with two undergraduate degree options:

B.S. in Industrial TechnologyB.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology/Vehicle

Engineering Technology Post Baccalaureate option for students with an engineering degreeOver 100 students total with 20-30 graduates per year

The VRI challenges students with a project-based approach focused on the design, engineering, and construction of vehicles, engines and transmissions. Students may work on projects for industry, funded research, or VRI vehicles.

Over 40 vehicles produced since Viking I in 1972. The VRI has set records from the Australian Outback (1990), up Pike’s Peak (1992), across the Bonneville Salt Flats, and around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (1989). Viking vehicles have won awards from the DOE, EPA, Tour de Sol, Urban Vehicle Challenge, California Clean Air Race, General Motors Sunrayce USA, and the Student Engineered Economy Design Rally.

Vehicle Research Institute Faculty

Janet Braun (2007) Assistant Professor. BS, MS (Mechanical Engineering), Marquette University, MBA, Cardinal Stritch University.

Steven Fleishman (2006) Assistant Professor. BT, MS (Engineering Technology), State University of New York; MS (Education) State University of New York.

Eric Leonhardt (2002) Director and Associate Professor, BA, Whitman College; BS, Western Washington University; MS (Automotive Systems Engineering) University of Michigan.

Michael Seal (1968) Faculty Emeritus, BEd, University of British Columbia; Med Western Washington State College (WWU); EdD, Texas A & M University

Employers Include

PACCAR, Boeing, C&D Zodiac, Janicki Industries, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota TRD, Honda HPD, Renault F1, Glacier Bay Boats, Brunswick Family Boat, Bullfrog, ProCNC, Porsche Engineering, Quatro Composites, Renton Coil Springs, Danner Corporation, Genie Industries, Microsoft

Recent ProjectsRenewable fuel biomethane refinery for dairy farms--EPA P3 Phase I and II Award Winner, Brilliant Award

Composite door mold--Saint Gobain and Bentley (Audi)

Composite mold—Quatro Composites

Second (First in N.A.) advanced composite automotive assembly jig, used to install every hood--Ford Mustang

Composite kayak for world record attempt--Brandon Nelson

First carbon composite impact attenuator—Federal Highway Administration

Assembly aids--Kenworth

EPA People Prosperity Planet Award Winner

April 2007

Carbon Fiber Impact Attenuator

Six pounds absorbs 100,000 lb impact force

Ford Mustang Hood Jig Tool

Past ProjectsFirst Four Valve Cylinder head—Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru)

First Mazda peripheral port rotary for racing—Mazda

Thermophotovoltaic power generators—Dept. of Defense, Department of Energy

Natural gas fuel systems—CNG Fuels of Canada, FIBA Canning, Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Projects

Vehicle ProjectsViking 43 Formula SAE (Society Automotive Engineers)—Student designed, engineered and fabricated autocross vehicle to compete with 80 vehicles from around the world at Fontana Motor Speedway, June 2008.

Viking 44 SAE Mini-Baja--Student designed, engineered and fabricated off-road vehicle to compete with 80 vehicles from around the world in Illinois, May 2008.

GM EV1 Hybrid Rebuild--Possibly one of only two GM electric vehicles operating outside of GM. Rebuilt as a plug-in, series hybrid.

Viking 40--High volume composites technology demonstrator. 1100 lbs, 300 hp and 50 mpg.

Viking 45--Automotive X Prize competitor—100 mpg with composites technology to enable 10,000 units/year. EPA tier 2 Bin 5 emissions. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Kitsap Transit Authority Access Bus—12 passenger bus with seating for 2 wheel chairs or two additional passengers. Designed to achieve 20 mpg with greater performance and safety than existing or proposed products.

Viking 32--Four passenger, parallel hybrid. First hybrid fueled with renewable biomethane fuel. 50 mpg with 0-60 mph<6 seconds and 50 mph front impact attenuation. Negative carbon emission foot print. EPA PZEV standard.

Viking 43 Formula SAE

Viking 41 SAE Mini-Baja

GM EV1: The Electric Solution

Viking 40 Chassis

Viking 40 Body and Chassis Mock-Up

Viking 32 Biomethane Hybrid

Viking 40 Goal

Past Vehicles: Viking 7

Viking 21

Solar Array ~700 wattsParallel HybridRear Axle: Natural Gas Engine ~60 kWFront Axle: Two Brushless DC motors 20 kW

1st Overall Pike’s Peak Solar Electric Challenge

Viking 23

Parallel HybridFront: 50 kW Brushless DCRear: 50 kW 3 cylinder DieselCarbon Composite

77 mpg on diesel202 mpge calculated by

Department of Energy

Tour de Sol

Thank you!