Swinburne to be part of the action at the F1 Australian Grand Prix
In Summary
Swinburne University of Technology’s research and innovation in the area of electric vehicles will feature at this year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix being held at Albert Park in Melbourne.
Swinburne will be part of the off-track events and activities that highlight Australia’s state-of-the-art automotive and advanced manufacturing capabilities, as well as research and development.
The university’s Electric Vehicle Group will be showcasing its’ Formula SAE team race car and simulator along with information on electric vehicle research projects including the eBus, electric paraglider, eScooter, Solar Car and a range of associated technologies in composites and lightweighting, battery technology, motor and controller systems, intelligent traffic systems and fleet data management
Swinburne Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology’s, Dr Ambarish Kulkarni, said the university would be hosting a stand in the Industry and Innovation Precinct at the Albert Park track over the four days of the motor racing event.
“The precinct is designed to showcase leading technology and innovation, and highlight exciting career paths and opportunities available to the next generation,” Dr Kulkarni said.
“With hundreds of thousands of people from Australia and overseas expected at the grand prix, this gives Swinburne the opportunity to meet a broad range of professionals and automotive manufacturers, as well as demonstrating exciting new technologies to the public.”
Team Swinburne’s Formula – SAE electric race car will also be on display at the Swinburne stand.
Senior Lecturer, Product Design Engineering, Dr Clint Steele, said the race car has been designed, built, operated and marketed by Swinburne Engineering and Business students.
“Team Swinburne operates much like a mini Formula 1 team, from keeping the car in top mechanical order through to sourcing parts and securing sponsors,” Dr Steele said.
“The Formula SAE program offers students a project to design, build and market a race car, as well as the opportunity to gain applied and relevant experience, and work together in a dedicated team effort.
“Swinburne has been involved in Formula SAE since the Australasian event’s inception in 2001, and has been one of the highest performing and most consistent teams in the competition.”
In 2011, Team Swinburne became the first racing team in Australia, and only the second in the world, to become 100 per cent carbon neutral, through the switch to an electric-powered vehicle and an ongoing commitment to offsetting carbon emissions.