Students put model cars to the test

ARGONNE, Ill. (April 26, 2004) — Teams of young engineers will put their skills to the test in the 14th annual model car competition, Saturday May 8, sponsored by Argonne National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy, CNH and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

The competition for middle school students will take place at CNH, 7S600 County Line Road, Burr Ridge, beginning at 9 a.m. with team and vehicle registration. Vehicle inspection and design judging will follow, and the race portion of the contest will begin at 11 a.m.

Cars will compete in two classes — hydrogen fuel cell cars and solar cars. Vehicles will race only within their own class.

The competition requires students to use aerodynamics, applied science and engineering skills to build the model cars. Developing a successful design requires experimentation, teamwork and organization. The task is comparable to the challenges scientists and engineers face when trying to design a lightweight, functional vehicle with an efficient powertrain, low-drag aerodynamics, minimal friction and excellent performance.

Teams will use either a fuel cell car kit or a solar car kit to build their vehicles. The cars, guided by wires running the length of the course, will be run in heats until the top performing cars are determined. Solar cars will run a 20-meter course. Fuel cell cars will run a 10-meter course.

Prizes will be awarded for the top performing cars, and design awards will be given based on technology, craftsmanship, appearance of the car and a working knowledge of the car's design.

Competing schools are:

• Bretano Math and Science Academy, Chicago
• Brighton Park School, Hinsdale
• Crone Middle School, Naperville
• Daniel Boone School, Chicago
• Eisenhower Junior High School, Darien
• Jefferson Junior High School, Woodridge
• Jerling Junior High School, Orland Park
• Kingswood Academy, Darien
• Madison Jr. High School, Naperville
• Pulaski Academy, Chicago
• Roosevelt Middle School, River Forest
• St. John's Lutheran School, LaGrange
• St. Michael's School, Orland Park
• Yorkville Middle School, Yorkville

The model car competition is part of the 2004 Chicago Middle School Science Bowl which also includes an academic competition that was held in March. The goal of the Science Bowl is to encourage student involvement in math, science and engineering activities. Of the teams participating in both the car and academic competitions, the team with the best combined score will represent the region at the national competition to be held June 17-20 in Golden, Colo. Teams participating in the dual event must compete with the hydrogen fuel cell car. Teams participating only in the car competition can enter one or both car classes.

CNH Corporation Technology Center is located at the northwest corner of the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) and County Line Road in Burr Ridge. CNH Corporation is a leading manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment.

The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory conducts basic and applied scientific research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, ranging from high-energy physics to climatology and biotechnology. Since 1990, Argonne has worked with more than 600 companies and numerous federal agencies and other organizations to help advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for the future. Argonne is operated by the University of Chicago for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

For more information, please contact Donna Jones Pelkie (630/252-5501 or media@anl.gov) at Argonne.