Programs like the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge are made possible in part by the generous support of industry volunteers as well as NFPA Education and Technology Foundation and Pascal Society donors. Support these efforts by making a donation.
The NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge Design and Specification Midway Reviews are set to take place in December and January and offer an excellent opportunity for industry members to get involved and connect with students. The Vehicle Challenge program is a university-level design/build competition. We are looking for a few more industry judges for the Midway Reviews.
Saxon Ryan, a faculty member in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, shared how the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge boosts student confidence and hands-on learning. “Students really enjoy the ability to work hands-on with their fluid powered vehicles, developing new techniques, applying classroom concepts, and gaining real-world knowledge from industry mentors,” he said. “They always mention how much they’ve enjoyed the experience and how valuable it’s been to apply what they’ve learned.”
The reviews are 45-minute webinar presentations with 10 minutes of Q&A from the judges. During this review, students present their initial design and mechanical drawings that illustrate the fluid power control circuits to be created for the vehicle, as well as the results from their analysis of previous designs and ways to improve performance.
Judges are welcome to participate in as many Midway Reviews as their schedules permit but are not required to evaluate all 32 teams. As a judge, you can speak directly with each team and provide valuable feedback and considerations as they begin the next stage of their project.
*While this opportunity is normally reserved for Pascal Society donors, all NFPA members are invited to participate in the Midway Reviews to learn more about the program and one of the many benefits and opportunities associated with becoming a Pascal Society donor.
Find out if your company is already a donor here, and contact Mary Pluta at mpluta@nfpa.com to register as a judge.