Michigan college students who compete in motor sports around the country have found a unique ally in Ford Motor Company. Since 2004, Ford has been allowing students at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University to test their vehicles in its wind tunnel. Ford’s Steve Wergryn tells WSJM News the automaker uses the tunnel to test for noise and other comfort factors for drivers. However, the college races are mostly interested in aerodynamics.
“They are competing in the Formula SAE design competition, and they’re very interested in making sure that they have enough down force on their chassis, suspension, and wheels so that when they’re going through these tight turns at a higher speed that their vehicle doesn’t want to skid around,” Wergryn said.
Wegryn says the wind tunnel can generate winds of up to 180 miles per hour, giving the students an edge when it comes to planning. He notes other students have to design their vehicles by trial and error.
