Date:03/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/03/stories/2007040317990700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory at IIT-M

Special Correspondent

"It will ensure impetus for design excellence among students"

The laboratory will focus on research-based projects

Pressure on industry to link vehicle testing with design

SOLID OPENING: Fomula One racer Narain Karthikeyan inside a car at the newly inaugurated vehicle dynamics laboratory at IIT- Madras on Monday. — Photo: Shaju John

CHENNAI: A state-of-the-art Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras on Monday by Formula One racer Narain Karthikeyan.

High-technology sport such as Formula One depend a lot on the aerodynamics mix of a car as vast amounts of data are downloaded from such vehicles, Mr. Karthikeyan said after inaugurating the facility at the Department of Engineering Design.

The need for the laboratory was long-felt, V.G. Idichandy, Dean of Students, said. It would ensure an impetus for design excellence among students learning automobile manufacturing. The laboratory will focus on research-based projects and is equipped with a steering robot, Wheel Vector Transducer, Tire Slip Angle Sensor, height sensors, pedal force sensors, fuel flow meters and infrared temperature sensor, R. Krishnakumar, Associate Professor at the department, said.

Vehicle dynamics is the study of motions and forces of the vehicle in actual driving conditions and plays an important role in ensuring passenger safety and comfort, Nilesh J. Vasa, Head of the Department of Engineering Design, said.

Arun Jaura of Mahindra and Mahindra and V.K. Misra of J K Tyres were present.