Automotive engineering has always played a central role in the research and teaching activities of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The University's proximity to the heart of the nation's auto industry in Detroit has made Automotive Engineering a natural focus for the Department.
Mounted on a Chevrolet chassis, the "Blue Bird" (the puzzle vehicle) served as one of the University of Michigan's first test vehicles. Its exotic design helped to determine air resistance to motion in land vehicles, and to explore the effect of changes in vehicle shape. In the days before strain gauges, Professor Walter E. Lay suspended the shell of the "Blue Bird" on an assembly of scales to measure wind resistance while driving.
Today, the W.E. Lay Automotive Laboratory provides 20 engine test cells, a 2-bay vehicle laboratory, machine shops, instructional and computer labs, and offices. Student vehicle projects built here have taken high honors in competition, including the car pictured below.
Sunrayce '93, a competition for universities started by GM, (named for their 1987 World Solar Challenge winner) was held June 20-26, 1993. The race route covered over 1,100 miles (1,800 km) starting in Arlington, TX and ending in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The first place car was Maize & Blue from the University of Michigan followed by the Intrepid from Cal Poly Pomona.
