Studious innovations to the fore at Vaahana

The Department of Automobile Engineering at Chennai’s Hindustan College of Engineering recently organised an exhibition called Vaahana 2008 which had on display products designed and fabricated by past and present students. Among the automobile companies represented by their dealers were Mahindra Renault, Honda, Piaggio, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mitsubishi and General Motors.

The products on display included a Kinetic Honda which was converted into a car and miniature versions of superbikes, which were prime attractions. Another highlight was an all-terrain vehicle designed by the students themselves, which attracted curious onlookers.

The varied display was the result of a decision to include products made by past college students, as well as those currently studying in the college. However, not all the machines were the result of student projects. Some offbeat vehicles were also purchased or assembled while some were used as learning tools by students.

According to the faculty of the Department of Automobile Engineering, the show was very much a student effort, as they had taken up the responsibility of organising it.

Real-world exercise

M Subramanian, professor and head – automobile engineering department, said that it was an exercise in institution-industry coordination. Such exhibitions and shows help expose students to the industry and the latest technological developments.

V Ramanathan, assistant professor in the automobile engineering department, echoed his colleague’s views saying that students learn a lot by participating in auto shows organised by various institutions.

According to Shrawan TR, one of the lead organisers of the show, “such programmes enable students to know what the industry expects. It also gives students a chance to mingle with professionals from the industry and learn about the latest developments.”

Another organiser Rupali Kaur, said the all-terrain vehicle designed by the budding engineers was a big step forward for them as they eye careers in the automobile industry.

At a symposium organized as part of the show, papers were presented on various topics including vehicle safety systems, transmission systems, automotive infotronics, vehicle suspension and brake systems, vehicle dynamics and stability, alternate engine technologies and manufacturing techniques.