Wedyn Noronha, a second year mechanical student at the Vellore
Institute of Technology in Chennai, is surely on a roll, or a drive. In sunny
California he competed with the best in the work and did extremely well in an
international car designing contest as a part of a team of 21 that went to the
USA. This team secured the tenth rank
among 100 teams, a quantum leap from its position of 76 last year.
The overall team was much larger and also
had seniors who offered advice on important aspects of the project. Selection
to the team was rigorous. A technical test was conducted, which involved
physics, maths and other subjects. This was followed by an aptitude test.
Essentially, a psychological analysis was conducted to check if the individual
could work in a team. Questions were asked to gauge reactions in a given
situation.
Wedyn, who was very clear that he wanted to
study outside Goa, made it into the team. When asked why he was so keen on
studying outside Goa, he said, “There is more competition and the standard can
be compared to international levels. There’s also a greater hunger that leads
to intense competition.”
The team’s objective was to not only win but
to also learn. The team was divided into Brakes, Vehicle Dynamics, Drivetrain,
Roll Cage & Ergonomics, Electrical and Management Departments. Spread over
nine months, three months went into designing the buggy, five months in
manufacturing. Finally, the most crucial bit – the testing – was conducted over
a month. It was basically destructive testing focussed on finding all the
shortcomings. Wedyn said they solved several problems during this stage. “We
designed our suspension systems with mild steel plates and were focussed on
reducing stress. Other teams had used tubes,” he said. The judges, he said,
were impressed because they had validation for what they had done on the
automobile.
The event, called the Bajasae, was held in
California. Travel to the destination was arranged by the team and from
corporate sponsors. The car was airfreighted and cost the team around Rs 5 to 6
lakhs. The competition was intense and was won by a team from the US. This team
has been in existence for thirty years and the knowledge gained over the years
was passed down to the team participating. The dynamic events were
acceleration, hill climb, manoeuvrability, suspension, traction and a 4-hour
endurance race.
Wedyn said the cooperation amongst the
various teams was remarkable with candid discussions held on various aspects of
the project. The team has decided to participate next year in the competition
and hopes to move up the ladder even further. Wedyn hopes the performance will
encourage corporates to sponsor the team. He however may not make it next year
but says it’s too early to decide now. Wedyn would like to work in the
automobile industry anywhere in the world.
Another talented Goan lad determined to make
his mark in the world.
