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Udupi: Manipal University students launch new Formula car

  •   Fri, Jul 04 2014 08:42:20 PM

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 4: A love for race cars and a passion to build them are what started it all for this group of enterprising mechanical engineering students from Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT).

Innovative Center at Manipal University on Friday July 4 presented a new formula car 'FMX4', which was inaugurated by H S Ballal, pro chancellor of Manipal Institute of Technology.

The Formula Manipal team has come a long way since it designed its first car. Teams of students have built stylish models every year. The hard work and dedication of 27 enthusiastic youngsters for the last two years finally bore fruition with the launch of their latest car.

Last season, FMX3 set the tracks ablaze at Hockenheimring, Germany and Czech Ring, Czech Republic. This year, the team has made the several changes to the previous car's design, with the major ones being – weight reduction, including the use of light weight composite materials and
use of rear wheel hub integrated stub axel, and inclusion of an electro-pneumatic clutch system, facilitating quicker clutch mechanism.

There are 10 events held globally by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International every year. The team, which has competed in Australia, Germany and Italy, say that they want to promote motorsport as it was yet to catch on in India. The team has bagged prizes at various student design competitions in Formula SAE (FSAE) and Formula Student. This time, they will participate in Formula Student Germany, which will be held from July 29 to August 3, and in Formula Student Czech Republic from August 7 to 10.

H S Ballal said that he felt proud to have such talented students in MIT. Wishing them all success, he said he would like to see them achieve great heights on world map.

G K Prabhu, registrar, Manipal University, Vinod V Thomas, director, MIT, Srikanth Rao, joint director of MIT, N Yajnesh Sharma, associate director (development), Divakara Shetty, HoD of mechanical and manufacturing and others were present on the occasion.
  

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Comment on this article

  • Alston, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Here are my two pennies. Hope the criticizers/cynics read this :)

    For all the once who think this is was of no use to the 'common man'.
    It wasn't intended to be one. It's meant to be a race car and it does that job tremendously well. The research acumen acquired by the students while building this'll definitely be useful to the common man one day!

    For the ones who think this is a mere assemblage of parts and not built from scratch.
    It wasn't! Important parts of it weren't! When you buy a car that you like, you don't criticize the car manufacturer because they haven't manufactured the upholstery! There are critical parts which are to be manufactured by extremely trained professionals. Give the guys the credit at least for the 'parts they manufactured'.

    Don't you admire a good movie even though you know that the stunts were performed by a double and not the lead actor?

    For those who think they are copying other FS cars
    Every car out in the market in a certain band of price is pretty much similar in a few aspects! Yet you have the ability to choose THE one on certain crucial parameters.

    For those who think that this is a waste of money!
    Well, it's not yours. So you don't have the authority! If you are concerned about the needy people, use your money.

    For those who think SSLC/Mechanics can also build a car
    Yes! They certainly can! EXPERIENCE IS THE TEACHER THERE! These kids are barely 20.

    Dear Cynics,
    Appreciate the countless sleepless hours in the manufacture/ "ASSEMBLY", humiliation from the sponsors they've gone through, determination they possessed when things went wrong, risks they took, the effort! See the bright side!
    Don't take away their credit for things that they didn't intend to in this project (make it useful for the common man, copy other cars and what not!).

    Appreciate them for what they've done and not more!
    The last line pretty much sums up my entire sermon!
    Peace!:)

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alston, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Sir,
    Robert Frost says " Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense"
    With all due respect!
    For starters, they aren't Gods!
    And your adjective is hurtful :)
    Peace!

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alston, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Well, I cannot speak for MIT Manipal but I am very much aware of this area of engineering.

    The manufacturing and research of/on and engine is an extremely difficult task.
    Let me shed some light on the things that YOU might think they have failed to do.

    *Consider the fact that they are barely out of their teen years and not graduated yet*

    1. If you know the working of an engine, the stresses, the flow of fluids (Petrol, air),combustion patterns of an engine etc which need to be simulated on a computer requires softwares which cost around 25 lakhs and upwards. The students neither have the resources nor the ability to use them. (Bear in mind that they are still not graduated).

    2. If you are a fan of Maruthi Suzuki,you might've noticed that all their small cars (others than the recent RitZ) had the same engine. Even the giants of the Indian market couldn't afford to research and manufacture a new design for a new engine and for their Alto, WagonR, Zen etc.

    Team MIT is a fly when compared to them. Lack of money (research of this sort takes crores of rupees), lack time(bear in mind that this car is to be built in less than 15 months), lack of expertize(still graduating and haven't done a Master's degree yet. Maruthi are around for well over 40 years I presume? These guys aren't even that old)

    3. Engine manufacturing abilities of 20 year olds? What are the odds?

    Appreciate a little than criticizing and demoralizing the young lads.
    Peace :)

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • John DSouza, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    While we prefer high rise buildings to dwell in, how we feel comfortable to use a vehicle which is shorter than the knee level?
    How a young and energetic group of students can just watch, when only one among them is being able to occupy their curious project product?
    Why not you can think of a product (vehicle) which can accommodate all of you together, with no fuel, pollution or travel cost, where your cumulative weight only can be a powerful pushing force, (which is normally considered as a mere burden on wheels)?
    Let us think of a situation where we have to worry to resist the falling weight, instead of pulling the dead weight with expensive and exhausting fuel.
    To face the faster and dynamic new economy, it is essential to have a concept change with a different thought.
    If our elders have not thought of public comfort we wouldn’t have had the airlines, trains and busses. The misery is that still many of us commute hanging to and fro, every day.

    DisAgree [13] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Alston, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Brilliantly put together!

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af, mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Goods efforts
    but some how i did not like the concept for research.Engg students must think out box technology which can used by common people of this country makes their life simpler,easy to use,afford to purchase able to sell.
    this is looks like some ready made items assembled and made as a show piece.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • vivek, hirebile / abu dhabi

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    WELL DONE!!....Lot need to be Done...until now India is recognized for copying the Technology word wide, we have Brain but short of investment in R&D for technology so that we can compete with Japan & German

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Bejai

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Few years back one welder in Udupi area manufactures small Aeroplane using Lamby scooter Engine and his own propeller and suspension, shock-observer and body parts from rickshaw, Hindustan aeronautical had offered him job too.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shabz, Mumbai

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    "Encha undu nokuda ath powa gaadi" Waste of time for this manipal students, Expensive parts made to used...!! As above few people comments i agree all humans are engineers in their own mind...i see many people who are less educated but they make things which a engineers cant afford to do..and also there are many uneducated mechanics in DK who alter and who are best making more types of cars, if they get good support and instruments....But this guys who created might have copied the assignment and project of before batch heheh this what happens in college life, fed up of seeing students making F1 cars,try something new innovative idea!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Elton Selwyn Fernandes, Manipal

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Its very easy to sit back and criticise something you are completely incapable of making yourself.

    This is not just assembling parts together. Just because you have all the parts doesnt mean it will work ( like your organs, if you can understand that ) . And yes many mechanics can assemble them and fabricate whatever they want but the approach of engineering is entirely different.theres a lot more to it than what you see in the pictures. And if you find this amazing car useless you do not understand the potential this creation holds. They learn more everyday and will reach the top, while the comments on this page wont even matter to them.

    Its a proud moment for the students of Manipal and we should all give them our blessings,support and encouragement.

    Congratulations Formula Manipal! You guys are awesome!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Bejai

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    True
    Appreciate students efforts and hard work,todays small thing can become big thing tomorrow.
    But the way Manipal is collecting money they can assemble Benz or BMW.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinay Reddy, Hyderabad

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    To the people who think its just assembling of the components available in market. Even the Formula 1 teams don't manufacture there own engines!!! They are supplied by other manufacturers,as the car is not only about engines, gear box,fuel efficiency and other fancy stuff people get lured off. Its passion and engineering which goes into these projects.
    It takes thousands of Man hours to design the complete car and developing it into reality is the challenge of its own.
    And then we say we don't have quality engineers in India! Its because of people like you who do not encourage and support the work students try to do.
    Lastly, MIT, Manipal even has a solar car project. If you are so much into environment friendly things please visit their site and support the project rather than just making sarcastic and useless comments on a national media site.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    This is just an assembling of parts!
    In mangalore there are many mechanics eho haven't even crossed their SSLC, capable of assembling and fabricating better cars than this one.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    I agree with you, there are so many uneducated but highly skilled and brilliant "engineers" in the ordinary population spread across all the fields, but they are left far behind as fitters and assemblers because they do not have formal engg. qualification and hence no opportunity to exhibit their skills if given a chance, they can give any qualified guy a run for their money!!

    This personal view is not to discourage or take the credit of the innovative car the students have designed!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan Patrao, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Another utterly useless development that will be of little use to the common man. Why don’t these engineers develop something for everyday use – at home or outside – that is environment friendly, affordable, easy to maintain and long lasting. If at all they want to develop something creative in automobiles, let them develop engine oils that need to be changed at 5,00,000 kms, automobile parts that last the lifetime of the car, diesel/petrol engines that return at least 25 kilometers to a litre under all driving conditions, the list is endless.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • John DSouza, Belman/Bejai/Qatar

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Thanks well wisher, India, for your references of articles in Daijiworld.
    As the earth by bending 23 degree angle in its axis, it rotates and moves around the sun by carrying huge oceans and continents, if we default 80% of weight on a vehicle to 20 to 30 degree height, there is no need to start it from a stand still position and will not have to face any height on its move ahead.
    By this concept change, we not only can save 90% of fuel but also can generate a considerable volume of energy, which can be stored and used for other purposes.
    This is the belief, faith, hope and opinion of a non technical person and hopefully, it will be tested and proved shortly.
    Let us enjoy the heavy burden as a wonderful boon.
    Dear students even if I fail to prove this, kindly take this as an encouragement to think different, to make a revolutionary change in the automobiles sector. Good luck.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • John DSouza, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Congratulations to the group of enterprising mechanical engineering students of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT).
    The volume of commuters and goods is growing rapidly with increasing transport demand.
    The academics are multiplying due to growing volume of products from various academic institutions, urging to create numerous job opportunities to place them.
    Our economy is being burnt by the heavy fuel import bills and huge oil subsidies.
    The result is price hikes, pollutions, poverty, unemployment and social unrest.
    The need is to utilize the huge burden of commuters and goods on wheels as a powerful force instead of carrying and moving them like infants.
    A pull, get pushed and move concept can save fuel, eliminated pollutions, reduce transport costs and solve several severe problems.
    The time is to think different and implement change to make a world of difference.
    The surface transport sector is ripe for a rapid revolution.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Louis Mendonca, Mudarangadi/Dubai

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Good luck to Manipal university/and students who got the innovative idea.God Bless you all.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Amazing invention. Hats off MIT engineering students. Your hard work paid off congrats & God Bless. But can't compare this car with super sonic Ferrari, Honda, McLaren Mercedes & Renault Formula one cars, this is my personal experience.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alston, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Well, Albert Einstein once said
    " You cannot judge a fish by it's ability to climb a tree"

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • thomas, india

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    No stopping the brain...
    Hopefully they will work oh cutting edge technology like Drones..Nano..Nuclear subs..Fighter aircraft's..space shuttles..ocean mining subs.....
    try and make models with value engineering..frugal engineering...light weight composite materials with nano technology..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Good one Jossey Saldanha, Mapusa.....!!!

    Acche din aanewale hai.....!!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • NISHAR, uae

    Fri, Jul 04 2014

    what's it's speed???

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Fri, Jul 04 2014

    There's no dearth designers of these toys in this world.What is required among young generation of this nation is innovation and creativity where we lag behind the developed world by eons. Our premium educational institutions churn out scoring machines whom we call brilliant and most of them end up becoming white collared slaves in developed countries. Of course, they make big bucks, especially when converted to INR. Need of the hour in our education system is to promote creativity and utilize services of such creative talents for catching up with the developed world if not surpassing it and for this to happen a strong political will is a must which unfortunately nowhere to be seen in the near vicinity.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Bejai

    Fri, Jul 04 2014

    1988 one Enterprenior developed one custom made car called 'MAYUR" then in Tamil Nadu ,Koyambuttur, Finally after many exhibitions and various automobile engineering studens visit to the plant to over see the development and his success- government just threw hot water on that project without allowing him to market the same car because of the mafias of other competitors...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eric Coelh, Mangalore

    Fri, Jul 04 2014

    Students of recognised university get innovative ideas and launch them. To my knowledge in 67 years of Independence we have not launched a high end car or bike or mobile etc. Even our metro is worse than a city bus take for example the Mumbai Metro which is 4000 Crores plus investment that has started to leak during 1st monsoons of mumbai. UK Metro is 150 years old and ours just few years old that says we are behind UK (a very small country) by 150 years. It is good to encourage students with innovative ideas but will they bring this innovative ideas into real existence after their education "My foot". So we should stop displaying exhibition items like the one above and we start being realistic.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Well wisher, India

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Eric Coelh, Mangalore
    Very Well said, first I congratulate MITians on their effort build very good sports car, on the other hand next generation should also focus on using of re-usable energy, and designing fuel-less cars. One such concept is discussed in daijiworld readers column (see comments section). I am placing web page links here for readers reference. I request intellectuals, professionals, scientists to give more importance to these kind of thoughts as well.
    http://www.daijiworld.in/viewArticle.aspx?articleID=5091

    Also see comments at:
    http://www.daijiworld.in/viewArticle.aspx?articleID=5061

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Sat, Jul 05 2014

    Eric bro, FYI all the metro coaches were imported from China!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Bejai

    Fri, Jul 04 2014

    Is the Engine,gear,gear-box made by Manipal university?
    Or just assembled from all available accessories (made by others) in local market?
    Making Engine and its efficiency is very important.
    any fabricator can make body and assemble the same..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mapusa

    Fri, Jul 04 2014

    Kithna Dethi Hai...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Fernandes, Dubai

    Fri, Jul 04 2014

    Please share the specifications of this car.
    How is it different from the existing formula cars?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse


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