Instructions for hosting a lecture

This program provides a unique opportunity for SAE Faculty Advisors and Students to invite an industry lecturer to interact with students and faculty on campus. Please note that this benefit is for SAE Chapters only (chapters and CDS teams are different entities). Don’t have a chapter? Not sure if you have one? Contact Corey Dillon for more information.

SAE Faculty Advisors and Student Chapter Officers:

1. The lecture must be held on campus and hosted by an SAE Chapter.
2. Requests for lecture visits may be made at any time throughout the year. Requests will be accepted from the contiguous United States, or from Canada (exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis).
3. Email invitation for prospective lecturer to Corey Dillon of SAE, ; upon receipt, your invitation will be forwarded to the lecturer. Invitation should be sent at least 3-4 weeks before desired visit and include several possible lecture dates. *Please note that certain lecturers are in high demand and their schedule may not be able to accommodate all requests. It is recommended that you include your top-three choices of lecturer.*
4. Once your invitation is received by the lecturer, they will contact you directly by email or phone to discuss details.
5. Once a lecture date is confirmed, please provide and arrange the following for your lecturer: directions to campus and parking information; lecture location (such as a classroom or auditorium); necessary A/V equipment; promotion of lecture to students and faculty; agenda for the day’s additional activities, if time allows.
6. The lecturer is responsible for notifying SAE of confirmed lecture dates in advance of the visit.
7. You should reconfirm the date of the visit with lecturer a few days prior.

You are welcome to ask the lecturer to tour the campus labs and facilities, including showing your SAE competition vehicles or other projects. Confirmation of activities as well as time and location should be confirmed to the lecturer in writing (e-mail acceptable) prior to the visit.

SAE, through the Teetor Awards Fund, covers the lecturer's travel expenses. The lecturer's employer covers the lecturer's time away from the office, and sometimes will also sponsor the lecturer’s travel expenses. The lecturer is responsible for making his or her own travel arrangements; a lecturer may ask for assistance in locating a hotel near campus and determining the best mode of transportation to and from the airport and to campus. As a host, you are not required to make reservations for the lecturer. Of course, any assistance such as providing transportation for the lecturer to the hotel or providing a parking spot on campus would be appreciated, but this is not mandatory. Hosting meals before or after a lecture or having snacks available during the lecture is at your discretion. SAE covers expenses of the lecturer's travel but does not cover these additional optional food and beverage items.

Organizing a well-planned and attended visit is a good way to say 'thank you' to the lecturer's employer for providing the lecturer with the time and, in some instances, the means to be on-campus to address the students and faculty. You will want to invite as many students and faculty as possible to attend the presentation and participate in any of the other activities you may have planned. To promote additional industry-academia networking, the SAE Teetor Committee has allowed the local SAE section members to attend the lecture. To find out if there is a local section near your university contact Corey Dillon of SAE at 724-772-4377 or corey.dillon@sae.org.

Please direct questions regarding this program to:
Corey Dillon
Member Relations Specialist, SAE International
724-772-4377
corey.dillon@sae.org

SAE Industrial Lecturers

Siddarth Attravanam

 Manager of Tire & Vehicle Dynamics
 Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

Biography: Siddarth 'Sid' Attravanam is a research engineer with Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in the field of vehicle dynamics. His primary area of research is in understanding the links between human perception of driving and objective measurements of vehicle and tire dynamics. As part of this, he has led the development of new objective and subjective vehicle testing methods. Sid has also co-developed and teaches a training program for Cooper that teaches engineers the basics of vehicle/tire dynamics along with subjective evaluation.

Outside of Cooper, Sid is a technical scrutineer with the FIA at the World Endurance Championship race at the Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX. Sid is also active with the Formula SAE community, having worked with Cooper to re-enter the Formula SAE competition as a sponsor, and through the Tire Test Consortium. In addition, Sid is also a design judge specializing in Suspension/Tires at both Formula SAE Michigan and Lincoln competitions.

Sid holds a BSc(honors) degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). While at UTA, Sid was part for the Formula SAE team, where he was the suspension lead for two years.

Presentation: Vehicle Dynamic Testing for Formula SAE: Utilizing vehicle dynamic testing for design

Abstract: For many Formula SAE teams, vehicle testing ends up as an afterthought. In the testing that does happen, the idea of whether the car is driveable or controllable is usually lost in the myriad of reliability testing. So while reliability is critical, the vehicle also has to be designed to be operable by a human driver. Similar to how factors of safety are design goals for reliability, handling goals can also be design goals. This presentation will cover fundamentals of vehicle handling related to human perception, simple testing procedures such as skidpad and slalom, and use of data from vehicle testing and tire testing to tune handling of the current car and set design goals for future cars. The presentation will also cover some simple simulation tools that can be used to quickly evaluate high level handling design goals. Finally, the presentation will address using a 'systems engineering process' to plan vehicle design.

*Get an idea of Sid’s condensed presentation on vehicle dynamic testing here, presented at COMVEC 2019.

Restrictions: Available any weekday. Weekend could also be accommodated. Please provide request 4-5 weeks in advance.

Equipment Needs: Projector with HDMI or VGA connector and screen for PowerPoint presentation. Power port for laptop.

 

Jeff Brookmyer

 Hybrid Powertrain Calibration Supervisor
 Ford Motor Company
 Dearborn, MI

Biography: Brookmyer is a Hybrid Powertrain Calibration Supervisor at Ford Motor Company. His prior positions include Calibration Technical Expert at Ford Motor Company. During his professional career, he has worked on powertrain calibrations for global markets for numerous manufacturers. His professional experience includes Roush Industries, Mercedes Benz Research and Development North America, and Ford Motor Company. Throughout his career, his responsibilities included controls and calibration to support vehicle performance, combustion, durability, drivability, fuel economy, and regulatory compliance of vehicle emissions and diagnostics. Brookmyer completed his BSME and MSME at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

Presentation: Fundamentals of Powertrain Calibration

Abstract: Powertrain calibration engineers have a very broad range of calibration attributes that they may be responsible for in industry applications. These different attributes require knowledge of the systems and the interactions that can occur. This presentation reviews common technology used and how they may relate to the powertrain calibration. A breakdown of attributes a powertrain calibration engineer may encounter will illustrate the care that must be taken in finding the correct approach to deliver a product that meets all customer and regulatory requirements.

Restrictions: None, if schedule permits.

Equipment Needs: Projector

 

Dean Case

 Consultant
 Motivo Engineering / Grassroots Motorsports
 Redondo Beach, CA

Biography: Dean Case has been an active SAE member since his freshman year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1981. He grew up in a motorsports family and progressed from race fan as a kid, to automotive engineer as an adult. He has devoted the past 15 years of his professional career to automotive communications with an emphasis on motorsports and technology PR, and an interesting inclusion of non-profit partnerships.

Within SAE, Case was a student leader, including being an SAE-sponsored WISE intern. He served as a board member with both the SoCal and Detroit Sections. He has been a Distinguished Younger Member, awarded a FISITA Young Engineer Fellowship, sponsored over 50 new SAE members, served on multiple SAE International committees, published two SAE papers, and spoken at dozens of universities over 30 years, 14 of them in the most recent 2016-17 school year.

After graduation from Cal Poly, Case started his professional career with Mazda R&D in Irvine, CA. While at Mazda he worked on the original Miata, second-generation MX-6, first-gen MPV, and third-gen RX-7.

After seven years with Mazda he joined Ford in Michigan as a layout engineer in the electric vehicle department before transferring to Ford Motorsports. While the Ford experience was professionally rewarding, Case wished to return home to Southern California. That move came in 1998 when he joined Nissan as a Product Investigation Engineer where he fell back into the EV world, being one of the lead American engineers on the Nissan Altra EV, and Nissan Hypermini EV programs, the predecessors to the Nissan Leaf.

Case was acting as the EV technical expert on a Nissan media event in 2000, which led to his career change from engineering to communications. Case became the Nissan Product PR Manager in 2001 and retained that position until 2006. In 2006, when Nissan relocated its U.S. headquarters to Nashville, TN, Case began a freelance consulting career.

His first client in 2006 was SAE International, managing the first two Formula SAE West competitions.

Case was then reunited with Mazda, becoming the Communications Officer for Mazda Motorsports in 2006. He spent the next 11 years on the road promoting the Zoom-Zoom nation from the SCCA Runoffs to Le Mans.

He is currently a consultant to Motivo Engineering and Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. Motivo is a product engineering company noted for efficiently turning complex ideas into clever products. Dean met the Motivo engineers via Formula SAE, so it was a great fit.

Case has been an active volunteer with SAE, the Motor Press Guild, Friends of Torrance Animals, PAWS/LA, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame over the years.

Presentation: The Business of Motorsports, The Politics of Alternative Fuels, Notes for Aspiring Engineers : 30 Years of Lessons Learned

Abstract: Graduating engineers today have more technical skills than ever before, but many have minimal comprehension of what life in the real world is like. Dean shares lessons learned that were not included in his BSME education. He will cover how to leverage active SAE participation into career opportunities, the good, bad, and ugly aspects of modern professional motorsports, and the ever changing politics of alternative fuels. Dean has given this presentation to over two-dozen times to schools from across the country. His presentation is designed to motivate first and second year students to become more involved with SAE. He welcomes a lively Q&A session.

*Preview Dean’s presentation here, where he presented a shortened version of his lecture at WCX 2019.

Restrictions: No set restrictions - however, certain obligations might arise between now and when a lecture is requested, so some scheduling flexibility may be necessary. Ideally one-month lead is requested. Working with the local SAE section is encouraged such that a second nearby school might also be scheduled.

Equipment Needs: Request a projector and screen suitable for presenting a Microsoft powerpoint presentation from a laptop. Microphone optionally needed if a large auditorium is planned.

 

Jeff Dix

 Principal Engineer in Safety Engineering
 Nissan Technical Center North America
 Farmington Hills, MI

Biography: Jeff is a Principal Engineer in Safety Engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from GMI Engineering and Management Institute (now Kettering University) where he graduated with honors. Jeff has 13 years experience in developing vehicle safety with extensive experience in front and side impact, as well as rollover testing. His current responsibilities include advanced development in passive safety. He has a working knowledge of the regulations that affect the safety development of today's vehicles. He is an active member of SAE, having authored several technical papers, and is on two SAE committees.

Presentation: Working Toward "Virtually Zero" Motor Vehicle Fatalities

Abstract: Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of fatalities in the United States. This lecture will discuss the challenges in pursuing a future goal of "Virtually Zero" motor vehicle fatalities with an emphasis on vehicle safety features. An overview of the factors that affect vehicle safety and the technologies that can be applied to address those factors; as well as testing needed to develop the passive safety of today's vehicles will be presented.

Restrictions: No set restrictions - however, request some flexibility depending on other obligations.

Equipment Needs: Projector for presenting Microsoft Powerpoint presentation from a laptop. Microphone is requested if a large auditorium is planned.

 

Steven M. Fox

 President / Director of Engineering
 PowerTrain Technology, Inc.
 Algonquin, IL

Biography: Steve currently heads an innovative manufacturing company, specializing in lightweight low-inertia drivetrain products for motorsports. In addition to 'off the shelf' solutions, he oversees one-off engineered drivetrain solutions for industrial and street use.

Previously, Steve was Engineering Director for Quarter Master Industries, Inc. (QMI), where he was employed for two decades. Steve is well versed in manufacturing engineering and materials selection and served as a design engineer responsible for all new product design, development and manufacture for most of his tenure with QMI, while at the same time dealing with many of the top racing teams from around the world.

Steve is an expert in I.C. engine technology and power transmission. One notable example of his development capability is the drivetrain package for Dodge's return to NASCAR in 1999. With a motorsports career that spans nearly 40 years, He has engineered, constructed, wrenched on, driven, broken, or piloted almost everything imaginable with 2, 3 or 4 wheels, a hull, or wings. He is a licensed aircraft pilot, racecar driver, scuba diver, and firearms instructor.

Steve was selected by Carroll Smith to participate in Formula SAE (FSAE) as a Motorsports Design Judge in 1999. He has been giving back to future engineers with FSAE involvement ever since. He has judged Baja SAE events, served as the Design Event Captain at FSAE - Virginia, and Chief Design Judge at Formula Student Austria. Steve is currently the Chief Design Judge for FSAE - Michigan, and also serves as Chief Design Judge at Formula Student Germany.

Presentation: Formula SAE, A Design Judge's Perspective

Abstract: Steve's presentation 'Those Who Cannot Remember The Past Are Condemned To Repeat It' is specifically targeted towards FSAE teams who wish to build a better car, without re-inventing the wheel. This presentation can be adjusted to suit the experience level of each team being visited. Historically, FSAE championship-winning teams, as well as new teams, have benefited from his presentations.

Subjects that Steve will cover include: Vehicle Design Principles; Chassis; Suspension; Steering; Brakes; Engine; Drivetrain; Gearing; Ergonomics; Team Management; Manufacturing; DFM (Design For Manufacturability); Material Selection; Heat Treat; Testing; Points Strategy Considerations; and most importantly, Project Management. Steve covers a LOT of material. Many teams video or audio record these meetings for review later.

After his formal presentation, your team may present your efforts to date. He will help you evaluate your design choices, and offer advice on selected optimization techniques. The informal question and answer session which follows can cover any area of FSAE competition. Your team's efforts are treated in the strictest of confidence. Steve will not share ANY information between schools.

Please understand Steve does not give your team 'the answers to the test'. He has to remain unbiased in order to be able to fairly and impartially judge at the competitions. He does provide insight and ideas from a design judge's perspective. Most importantly, he offers methods for 'thinking outside the box' that have driven past teams to new heights.

Restrictions: Friday evenings, Saturdays (or Sundays) are preferred, but weekdays can sometimes be accommodated.

Equipment Needs: Computer with a USB port, hooked to a Digital Projector for computer-based presentation.

 

Adit Joshi

 Research Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles & Controls
 Ford Motor Company
 Dearborn, MI

Biography: Mr. Adit Joshi is currently working as a Research Engineer in Automated Driving HIL Simulation in the Autonomous Vehicles & Controls department at Ford Motor Company. His current responsibilities include supporting the HIL simulation of Ford’s Autonomous Vehicle Platform alongside supporting CAE simulation activities related to electrification and connectivity. Mr. Joshi’s previous experience includes working as an Engineering Specialist working on HIL simulation and test automation at General Motors. Before joining automotive industry, Mr. Joshi graduated with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Vehicle Dynamics and Controls, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering specializing in Controls, from The Ohio State University. He is passionate about autonomy, electrification and connectivity. He has also authored three SAE International technical papers on HIL simulation.

Presentation: Autonomous Vehicles: The Role of HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) Simulation in Testing Ford's Autonomous Vehicle Platform

Abstract: The automotive industry is heading towards the path of autonomy with the development of autonomous vehicles. This presentation will provide an overview of autonomous vehicles and discuss why there is an urgent need for this technology. It will also focus on the requirement of redundant mechanical systems and controls as part of the autonomous vehicle platform since there will be no driver backup present in highly automated vehicles. This presentation will elaborate on the role of simulation in accelerating development and testing of autonomous vehicles as in-vehicle testing for autonomous vehicles will be considered expensive, time-consuming, and unsafe due to the number of scenarios and driven kilometers required for validation. In particular, a powertrain and chassis hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation of the autonomous vehicle platform and the correlation of the performance of the corresponding subsystems with those of the actual autonomous vehicle will be presented. The testing setup for HIL simulation which includes powertrain controllers and actuators, redundant brakes and steering controllers, alongside full brake hydraulics hardware will be discussed in detail.

Restrictions: Request at least two week notice to fit into work schedule

Equipment Needs: Projector and screen with classroom computer console or a cable to HDMI connect to a laptop for presentation, microphone required if presenting to a large audience.

 

Dr. Edward M. Kasprzak

 President
 EMK Vehicle Dynamics, LLC
 Buffalo, New York

Biography: Dr. Kasprzak is the President of EMK Vehicle Dynamics LLC and an Associate at Milliken Research Associates Inc. He has worked in the field of automobile vehicle dynamics since 1996 with expertise in the areas of tire & vehicle testing, modeling and simulation. Customers have included passenger car manufacturers, their suppliers and professional racing teams. Kasprzak is the co-founder and co-director of the Formula SAE Tire Test Consortium and annually serves as a design judge at North American Formula SAE events. He is a former Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo where he taught two courses on vehicle dynamics and advised the SAE student chapter. His publications include numerous technical papers, magazine articles and co-authorship of "Race Car Vehicle Dynamics: Problems, Answers and Experiments" with Bill and Doug Milliken.  He also contributed several chapters to "Learn & Compete: A Primer for Formula SAE, Formula Student and Formula Hybrid Teams".  Kasprzak is the 2012 recipient of SAE's Excellence in Engineering Education award.

Presentation: Tire Testing and Modeling for Vehicle Dynamics

Abstract:This lecture will focus on tire performance as it relates to vehicle dynamics.  It will include a brief overview of tire construction, a discussion of laboratory tire testing, a discussion of tire model development from measured data, and the application of tire models to vehicle analysis, design and simulation.

Restrictions: None; allow time to discuss your car/team in your shop in addition to the lecture.

Equipment Needs: Projector for a PowerPoint presentation.

 

Mike O’Neil

 Technical Director
 Essex Parts Services Inc.
 Cramerton, NC

Biography: Mike O’Neil has earned his living in professional motorsports since 1995 and has been involved with Formula SAE even longer. As a student, he competed in FSAE for four years at the University of Akron, where he received his BS and MS mechanical engineering. He was on a first-year team, team captain for three years, and was an adviser while in graduate school. Fellow industry professional Carroll Smith recruited him for design judging, for which he was the Chief Design Judge for all FSAE California events.  O’Neil was Technical Director for Tilton Engineering Inc. for 14 years and has been Technical Director for Essex Parts Services Inc. since 2010. His technical areas of expertise include brake, clutch, and driver control systems. He is in charge of all new-product development, designed the brake system dynamometer, and is in charge of all brake system testing at Essex. He also designed the brake bedding machine for which he holds a patent. During his career, he has worked with NASCAR, Indycar, professional sportscar, off-road, and other teams with their brake and driveline systems. As one who builds and races his own machines, he was a 2009 AMA flat track motorcycle amateur champion. He is still active on the amateur national level.

Presentation: Racing Brake Systems – Understanding FSAE Design Judging – Effective FSAE Team Organization and Planning

Abstract: The presentation is multi-faceted, covering the needs of different team members. Almost all students express the need for better team organization and planning. Most also want to know more about how their program can help them to be more successful in the Design scoring category, which can also help them in all areas of performance. Then there is the brake system, which is more powerful than the engine. Yet, it is an area that most SAE teams do not address to near its full potential. The presentation does not get into the math as much as it does explain how the brake system works, the important details that are often unknown or missed, and what to consider when designing the brake system. One needs this understanding before one can properly use the equations and develop a top-notch system. 

Equipment Needs: Projection system to which computer can be connected, a dry erase board is helpful for answering questions.

 

Gregory E. Peterson

 Principal Materials Engineer
 Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
 Plymouth, MI

Biography:Mr. Peterson is the Principle Materials Engineer for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center). He is currently serving as The Center's embedded engineer supporting the Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow (LIFT) engineering team. His prior position was Senior Technology Specialist for Lotus Engineering. His Lotus responsibilities included investigating private and public sector innovations, technology transfer to Lotus and program management. He assisted Lotus Engineering in designing lightweight, cost effective solutions for a wide variety of industries including transportation, aerospace, wind energy and agriculture. He was involved in investigating emerging technologies, including materials, forming processes and joining methodologies and creating opportunities to integrate them into mainstream production platforms. His OEM and Tier 1 automotive engineering experience for both EVs and ICE powered vehicles includes powertrain, chassis/suspension, body structure, closures, aerodynamics, thermal systems, interiors, electrical/electronics/electrical machines and materials. Mr. Peterson spent 18 years at Pontiac Engineering and CPC Advanced Vehicle Engineering including assisting in the development of GM's only two seat mid-engine sports car and the initial engineering of the second generation model. His post GM career includes advanced composites engineering at GE Plastics, electronic control systems development, aero-thermal systems R&D and chassis and body development programs including engineering an aluminum sports car chassis as part of Chrysler's SRT team. Mr. Peterson is a performance enthusiast who owns several vintage sports cars and raced a Formula V in SCCA competition. He holds twelve patents in multi-disciplinary fields and has been published by the Society of Automotive Engineers, IMechE, the International Appliance Technical Conference and Purdue University. He is a regular presenter at national and international engineering conferences.

Presentation: Designing a Lightweight and Fuel Efficient Automobile for the 21st Century

Abstract: Automakers are facing substantial challenges today as a result of current and pending CO2 and fuel economy regulations. Fuel economy needs to be improved by about 50% in the next decade while current safety systems remain in place or are legislated to be even more rigorous. This presentation will provide background information on the specific regulatory requirements and the technologies that engineers have available to meet these new standards. The presentation will assess the specific contributions of enabling technologies, including aerodynamics, mass reduction and tire/wheel/chassis systems. Example cases, based on Lotus public domain projects, will be cited to demonstrate the potential for contributing to improved fuel economy. The review will cover the ground up design of a new lightweight vehicle that weighs almost 40% less than the identical size steel baseline vehicle. Key systems will be reviewed in detail including the body structure, chassis/suspension, interior and closures. The structural performance of this vehicle will be presented; animated models undergoing FMVSS crash testing will be shown and compared to NHTSA test results for the baseline vehicle. The final presentation segment includes a cost assessment of the Lotus lightweight vehicle. This study, backed by data generated by an independent costing firm, shows how an holistic, total vehicle approach to lightweighting can provide substantial financial offsets that can allow an ultra-light vehicle, using much more expensive materials, to be produced at near cost parity with current production automobiles.

Restrictions: Request one month's advance notice to fit into work schedule

Equipment Needs: An overhead projector with a VGA connector and a nearby white board & marker.

 

Larry Rinek

 Principal Consultant
 Rinek Consulting Services
 Santa Clara, California

Biography: Larry Rinek is the Principal Consultant at Rinek Consulting Services. He was formerly a Senior Technology Consultant in the Technical Insights Division of Frost & Sullivan, where he had more than 17 years of service. His focus there was evaluation of emerging technologies and their commercial potential in aerospace & defense, automotive & transportation, industrial machinery, as well as advanced engineered materials. He is a trained engineer, a published historian (author of more than 25 items, including 6 SAE publications) focusing heavily on U.S. aviation technology history, a former USAF officer, a former student pilot, and veteran of the U.S. aerospace industry. Mr. Rinek is an active member of the AIAA and SAE technical societies, as well as the American Aviation Historical Society (AAHS), the Aircraft Engine Historical Society (AEHS), the Society for Aviation History (SAH), and the Wings of History (WOH). He earned a BS (with honors) in Industrial Engineering and an MBA in Marketing, both from UCLA. He has also been a guest lecturer in aero engineering for 9 colleges and universities across the US and Canada, with most of these visits sponsored by the SAE. Mr. Rinek has over 40 years of business and technology consulting experience. Many of his consulting projects have been sponsored by leading aerospace and motor vehicle builders/system suppliers around the world.

Presentation: Defects in Aircraft Design & Materials: Engineering Lessons Learned

Abstract: Why have preventable mishaps in aircraft occurred (which are not the fault of pilots), resulting in loss of life and property? Many of these incidents are directly attributed to human error and negligence in aircraft design as well as processing of materials (manufacturing issues). How can engineers prevent or at least minimize such unpleasant events, thus improving aircraft safety? What lessons can we learn from historical mishaps, so that they might be avoided in the future? Answers to these questions will be addressed, while exploring 12 case studies, involving some well-known civil and military aircraft programs. We will see how engineers recovered from hidden defects, and developed workable solutions.

Restrictions: Request a few weeks advance notice, to fit into work schedule

Equipment Needs: Digital projector (with cable link to my laptop), plus screen are requested. For larger student groups, desirable to have a podium with amplified audio, a microphone, and a connection to laptop audio out (via headphone mini-jack).

 

Michael Royce

Formula SAE and Other Perspectives from 40 Years in the Auto Industry

 Consultant
 Albion Associates LLC
 Clarkston, MI

Biography: Michael Royce, now working as a consultant for Albion Associates LLC, retired from the DaimlerChrysler Corp. in June 2004 after almost 41 years within the Chrysler family. During that time, he held a number of management positions, including assignments in Truck Engineering, Product Planning, Engine Development and Powertrain Program Management. Between late 1991 and 1994 he was the Technical Director at Lamborghini Engineering in Italy, managing the Chrysler-Lamborghini Formula 1 engine program. His last assignment at Chrysler was that of Senior Manager of Advanced Engine Technologies.

He has been an active member of SAE International since 1965, served on the organizing committee of all the SAE Motorsport Engineering Conferences and is currently the Chairman of the Motorsports Engineering Committee. From SAE, he received the Excellence in Engineering Education Award in 2005 and the Forest R. McFarland Award in 2010.

Royce has been actively involved in Formula SAE since 1986, was a member of the Formula SAE Rules Committee from 1996 to 2009, its Chairman from 2000 to 2009 and Chairman of the University Programs Committee from 2004 through 2007. He is currently on the Rules Committee for Formula Hybrid. He has officiated at over 75 Formula SAE, Formula Hybrid, Formula Student (UK), Formula SAE-Australasia and Formula SAE-Italy competitions. He, his wife Suzanne, and a number of other leading FSAE experts recently published the book "Learn & Compete, a Primer for Formula SAE, Formula Student and Formula Hybrid Teams."

He has been a licensed scrutineer (technical and safety inspector) since 1973, officiating at local SCCA autocrosses, club and pro races, stage rallies, FIA-GT, World Endurance Championship, Moto GP and Formula 1 events. He has been the Assistant Chief Scrutineer at every Formula 1 Grand Prix in the USA since 1986.

Royce has master's degrees in Mechanical Sciences from the University of Cambridge, in Automotive Engineering from the Chrysler Institute of Engineering, and in Management from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Presentations & Abstracts:

1. Lamborghini Engineering—Chrysler's Foray into Formula 1
   In 1987, Chrysler purchased Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and decided to design and build a Formula 1 engine for sale to F1 teams. They formed a new company, Lamborghini Engineering S.p.A. for this purpose. This presentation covers the history of Lamborghini Engineering from its birth until its demise in 1994, when it was sold to an Indonesian consortium, focusing on Mr. Royce's time in Italy as the Technical Director from November 1991 to May 1994.
2. Detroit to Austin—A Look at 35 Years of Formula 1 in the USA
   This presentation looks at 35-plus years of Formula 1 in the USA from Royce's perspective as a scrutineer (technical and safety inspector) at the Detroit, Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Austin events from 1982 to the present, and highlights some of the changes that have occurred in that time. This presentation is usually given with his wife, Suzanne Royce, who has been the Chief Scrutineer for Formula 1 in the U.S. since 1985. Suzanne Royce is the only female Chief Scrutineer in Formula 1 today.
3. Grades Do Count-But That's not All—Tips for Engineers in Training
   Good grades and technical skills are not all that employers are seeking. Based on his forty years in the automotive industry, Michael Royce will review the other attributes and skills that employers are seeking in their new hires, and how programs like the SAE's Collegiate Design Series can supply a number of these attributes. He will also suggest some tips when preparing for job interviews and give his thoughts about continuing education.

A number of presentations pertaining to Formula SAE and Formula Hybrid, specifically:

• Team Building & Organization
• Project Management
• The Design Process
• Safety
• Sponsorship
• The Frame & SES
• Testing & Development
• Report Writing & the Reports
• Traveling To and At the Competition
• Getting Through Technical Inspection
• Resources

Restrictions: None

Equipment Needs: Projector (and microphone in large classrooms or auditoriums)

 

James Shaw

 Managing Director
 Fastway Engineering
 Boston, MA

Biography: Jim Shaw is currently the Managing Director of Fastway Engineering, an engineering firm dedicated to helping companies get the most out of their CAD/CAE software. Using hands-on, project-based curriculum, Fastway Engineering helps Designers, Engineers, Makers, and Manufacturers climb up the learning curve as fast as possible. Prior to that, he's designed, analyzed, tested, built, and broken a wide range of products. LinkedIn profile

Presentation: Optimizing FSAE Designs using the best practices in CAD, FEA, and CFD

Abstract: This lecture is intended for current Formula SAE students who realize that in order to optimize your design, you need to try to as many design variations as possible. To do so, the use of Computer Aided Design and Engineering (CAD/CAE) tools, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is required. These skills are not necessarily a part of the current academic curriculum, but they are almost certainly required by hiring companies. The Formula SAE program provides the perfect environment for establishing robust CAD/CAE practices.

This seminar does not focus on a single specific software package, but rather it addresses the benefits (and limitations) of the software as a whole, and attempts to establish methodologies that can be applied to any CAD/CAE software. Discussions and hands-on projects include:

• Best practices in CAD Design – from Part Geometry creation to Assembly Data Management

• Time-saving techniques for preparing CAD geometry

• An overview of meshing for FEA & CFD (Tet vs. Hex)

• Static vs. Dynamic FEA

• An overview of all commercially available CFD codes & Turbulence Models

• Turbulent Steady State Flow around an FSAE vehicle

• Calculating lift and drag from a CFD analysis

• Using digital design tools in the professional Product Development Process

• Pros & Cons of using local vs. remote services (Cloud Computing, SaaS, etc)

• Tube chassis: Design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing.

• FSAE Rules (Part T Article 3 & Part AF), SES form, etc.

Prior knowledge of 3D CAD/CAE tools is required. Each seminar can focus on which ever software the school wants, such as those from: Ansys , Autodesk, CD-Adapco, Dassault Systems (CATIA & Solidworks), Onshape, OpenFOAM, PTC, Siemens PLM, Simscale, etc.

Restrictions: None

Equipment Needs: Typical classroom/training room setting - projector & microphone for larger audiences.

 

Don Smolenski

 Strategic Management of Oil LLC
 Southeast Michigan

Biography: Smolenski has a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan–Dearborn and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University. He has formed and is president of a consulting firm, Strategic Management of Oil, LLC. Previously, he was OEM Liaison Manager - North America, Evonik Oil Additives USA; responsible for OEM contacts and management of fuel economy projects. Smolenski retired from GM after a 33-year career spanning R&D and Worldwide Facilities. He developed and ran engine dynamometer and field tests, is a co-inventor of the GM Engine Oil Life Monitor installed in nearly all GM North America vehicles since 2000, developed GM industrial lubricant standards and lead the GM used oil management and recycling program, championing the use of recycled oil in plants. Smolenski is a Fellow of the Engineering Society of Detroit and SAE International. He jokes that he has 22 kids all over the world—19 were foreign exchange students.

Presentation: The Adventures (and Misadventures) of a Lubricant Engineer: Fun with Oil

Abstract: Dr. Smolenski's presentation will cover the more interesting anecdotes from different segments of his career. He will show how taxi tests helped elucidate the effects of subtle differences in antiwear chemistry on wear results. He will discuss how they gained deep insights into engine hardware (things that the engine guys didn't even know) when developing engine tests. Don will share his part in a small team that developed the GM Engine Oil Life Monitor. He will recall his experiences an expert witness for the Department of Defense. When Don transferred to Worldwide Facilities Group, he spent a significant amount of time in plants and will reveal some unique insights into plant culture. Don developed energy efficiency tests and will relate how he used them to debunk claims of miracle aftermarket additives. He also developed a comprehensive used oil program, and used a beer analogy to get plant buy in. Don returned to R&D and survived deep headcount cuts during GM's bankruptcy. He chaired the GM global engine oil team, and will relate the great diversity of this team and how amusing it was at times. Don will also share his observations on life after GM.

Restrictions: Request one month's advance notice to fit into work schedule

Equipment Needs: A digital projector.

 

Bob Stearns

 CEO
 Powerful Potential
 Wexford, PA

Biography: Bob Stearns is one of only 98 people in history to lead an organization to win the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award. He was the Leader and Architect of Pittsburgh based Medrad's 2003 journey to win the award. The Award is presented by the President of the United States. Bob founded his company, Powerful Potential in 1985. He specializes in:

• Leadership Development
• Strategic Planning
• Customer Loyalty
• Employee Engagement
• Process Improvement

Bob a Professional Public Speaker and has spoken in eight countries. He inspires audience members to optimize their personal potential and their company's potential. Bob is also an author. His highly acclaimed book is titled "Perhaps a Man Can Change the Stars."

Bob worked at Medrad, Inc., a leading developer of medical imaging products where he was the Director of Organizational Development and the Quality and Productivity Center. Bob founded Medrad University, and implemented a number of innovative Organizational Development initiatives including Total Quality Management, Self Directed Work Teams, Career Development, Competency Based Training, and Performance Improvement Teams. He was also responsible for the introduction and implementation of the team based/high performance culture in Medrad's international subsidiaries, and for Medrad's parent company in Germany. Bob worked for the US Department of Commerce as a Senior Examiner for the Baldrige Award. He received the Award for Excellence in Human Resources Development from the American Society for Training and Development.

Bob's company, Powerful Potential, clients include Armco Advanced Metals Corporation, Witco Chemical Company, Respironics, Mine Safety Appliances, International Plastics, Oberg Manufacturing, South Hills Health System, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Carnegie Museum, Harmarville Rehabilitation Center, the Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania, and Schering AG. Bob has a BS in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, and has completed post-graduate classes in leadership development at Carnegie Mellon University. He has taught at several local universities including the University of Pittsburgh and Washington and Jefferson College. He has served as a Director on the Boards of National Church Solutions, the Orchards at Foxcrest, the Pa. Society of Association Executives, the Pa. Association of Non Profit Organizations and for the University of Pittsburgh's Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence.

Presentation: Perhaps a Man Can Change the Starts - Engineers Rock! Learn how to lead Non Engineering Colleagues and Succeed!

Abstract: Engineers make great leaders, but in most organizations they face internal competitors (but not limited to) marketers, Executives and Customers. We all want to develop relationships and to make allies out of our competitors and to make a difference in our personal, and professional lives. However, Roadblocks, Competitive Relationships and lack of Resiliency can get in the way. Your presenter, Bob Stearns will show you how to overcome the Roadblocks and to develop a High Performance Culture. His experience in leading Medrad to win the Baldrige Award, and in working with his clients will help you and your colleagues to thrive! His presentation is informative, humorous and highly interactive.

"Bob was principally responsible for the development of Medrad's employee culture, which drove Medrad to win the Baldrige Award" - Tom Witmer, CEO

Ed Widder, Chicago SAE said: "Bob's program on Innovation was one of the best we've seen!"

The nine strategies Bob will present are from his book, "Perhaps a Man Can Change the Stars"

1. The Art of Influencing Marketers, Executives, Customers and others -

   • Become a Chess Master - How Influence Power can Trump Position Power

2. How to ensure shared Accountability for projects

   • Mindset and structural changes that are needed

3. Understanding and Cultivating Customer Loyalty and the Customer Experience

   • Focus on outcomes to develop innovative ways to achieve loyalty

4. Engaging employees throughout your organization

   • Most organizations achieve 43% engagement, Baldrige organizations achieve 90%+

5. Encouraging Innovative Thinking

   • 3M allocates 15% of employee time for innovation - should you?

6. Tackle the Toughest Challenges and Never Quit

   • A fundamental mindset for thriving in relationships and achieving results

7. Focus on what you do have, not on What you Don't Have

   • This advice will help you to achieve your potential and to become resilient

8. Change the Stars

   • You can do anything you want to do, be anything you want to be!

Improve results, relationships, and dramatically leverage your potential and the potential of colleagues! We needed to find ways for the organization to work together. Bob worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony to plan strategy and to forge new relationships between the Board, Management, the Musicians (union) and Volunteers that allowed us to succeed" - Gideon Toeplitz, Executive VP.

Equipment Needs: An LCD projector; lap top, slide advancer; mobile microphone.

 

Dr. Herman Tang

 Associate Professor
 Eastern Michigan University
 Ypsilanti, MI

Biography: Dr. Tang is an associate professor at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). Before joining EMU, he was a lead engineering specialist at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). At FCA for about 16.5 years, Tang had worked on manufacturing system development and launch support for five vehicle programs, and led the specialist team to evaluate, analyze, and help improve the manufacturing system performance and capability of other two new vehicle programs.

Tang’s technical expertise is in the areas of assembly system development, process planning, tooling development management, lean manufacturing, dimensional quality control, welding, launch support, and project management. Tang completed his doctorate study at the University of Michigan in 1999 and earned an MBA degree in industrial management from Baker College. Tang is an active member of SAE, ASME, SME, AWS, and ASQ, has authored two books published by SAE recently and served as associate editor and reviewer for several scholarly journals and conferences.

Presentation: Vehicle Assembly Manufacturing—Operations, Management, and Development

Abstract: This seminar is intended for engineering students, entry-level manufacturing engineers, and all levels of the non-manufacturing professionals of the automotive industry. The seminar might be viewed as 80% engineering and 20% technical management in nature. The seminar covers the assembly processes, operations management, development of vehicle assembly systems, and process planning pertaining to the automotive manufacturing, specific topics include:

1. Main vehicle assembly processes and operations
2. Vehicle assembly operations management
3. Continuous improvement of operational performance
4. Development of vehicle assembly systems
5. Process planning for vehicle assembly
6. Tooling development management for vehicle assembly

Each topic may be presented in about one and a half hours. For an introductory seminar, two or three topics can be combined. The technical content of presentations and time may be adjusted upon request. The presentation file may be shared with audience before seminar. These subjects are also covered in the speaker's new books: "Automotive Vehicle Assembly Processes and Operations Management" or "Manufacturing System and Process Development for Vehicle Assembly" published by SAE.

Restrictions: No set restrictions. Three-week advance notice would be appreciated. Some scheduling flexibility may be necessary depending on other obligations.

Equipment Needs: Projector with a computer or a cable to HDMI connect to a laptop for presenting a MS PowerPoint presentation, a laser pointer, a wireless clip-on microphone optionally needed if a large auditorium is planned.

 

Dr. David A. Wagner

 Technical Leader
 Ford Motor Company

Biography: Dr. David Wagner leads a research and advanced engineering group developing and implementing lightweight structural systems for future Ford Motor Company vehicles.  He and his team helped develop the lightweight steel frame and aluminum cab and cargo box for the 2015 F-150.  Dr. Wagner led the Multi Material Lightweight Vehicle (MMLV) project for Ford with colleagues from Magna and support from DOE.  He delivered the magnesium instrument panel support beam on a past Explorer and the 2003 Ford GT.  Dr. Wagner leads development efforts in lightweight vehicle systems to meet crash safety, durability, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) functional requirements while minimizing weight, cost and manufacturing complexity.  He is a subject matter expert in lightweight materials, structural adhesives, joining and finite element analysis.  Dr. Wagner conducts research on magnesium, composites, aluminum and advanced high strength steel alternatives for vehicle components and systems. He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University in mechanical engineering, and civil engineering degrees (M.S.C.E and B.S.C.E.) from the University of Notre Dame. He has over 20 patents and over 50 publications.

Presentations & Abstracts:

1. Lightweight Vehicle Design and Architecture
   With the increasing demands on improved fuel economy, safety, and CO₂ footprint, Ford Motor Company is turning to lightweight materials for body and chassis structures plus other vehicle systems and components. For example, the Multi Material Lightweight Vehicle (MMLV) developed by Ford Motor Company and Magna International is the result of a US Department of Energy project DE-EE0005574. The project demonstrates the lightweighting potential of a five passenger sedan, while maintaining performance, occupant safety and utility of the baseline production vehicle.  Prototype vehicles were manufactured and limited vehicle testing was conducted. The MMLV vehicle design, comprised of commercially available materials and production processes, achieved a 364 kg (23.5%) full vehicle mass reduction, enabling the application of a 1.0-L three-cylinder engine, resulting in a significant environmental benefit and fuel reduction.
2. Vehicle Efficiencies—Engine, Weight, Electrification
   With the increasing demands on improved fuel economy, safety and CO₂ footprint, Ford Motor Company is striving to make vehicles more efficient.  Recent advances in gasoline engine technologies, vehicle weight reduction, and powertrain electrification are discussed as parts of the systems approach to increasing vehicle efficiency.  Ford’s EcoBoost gasoline, direct injection, turbocharged engines provide up to a 15% fuel economy improvement.  Reducing vehicle weight through alternative lightweight materials enables further efficiency gains.  Electrified powertrains offer significant reductions in tailpipe emissions.  Ford’s approach of mass reduction plus downsized EcoBoost engines and electrification presents the path to meeting future customer and governmental requirements.

Restrictions: Please give at least six week notice to arrange work and travel.

Equipment Needs: Digital projector (with cable link to my laptop), plus screen are requested. For larger student groups, desirable to have a podium with amplified audio and a microphone.

 

Dr. Mohamed Zaher

 Technical Manager
 American Axle & Manufacturing
 Detroit, MI

Biography: Dr. Zaher has worked for 8 years in academia and 8 years in the automotive industry. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2013. Dr. Zaher is a functional safety certified automotive engineer with more than 8 years of experience in product development using the V-model. Dr. Zaher works with emission related OBD diagnostics for after treatment systems, engine controls, powertrain controls, aftertreatment, HEV and EV systems, driveline systems and configuration management software. Dr. Zaher lead lectures in both USA and Egypt in system dynamics and mechatronics over the course of 8 years. Dr. Zaher’s work revolved mainly around the following areas of the development lifecycle: 1) Systems engineering: working on requirements development, deductive and inductive analyses using DFMEA & FTA leading to system design, functional safety safety mechanisms and ASPICE compliance 2) Model Based Engineering using MATLAB, Simulink and Stateflow to develop mathematical plant models and control algorithms for various systems using rapid prototyping methods to deliver high confidence software, both autocoded and hand coded with compliance to MISRA C and AUTOSAR architecture, and 3) Verification and validation of control software and diagnostics for vehicles in MIL, SIL, PIL, HIL, test cells, dynos and vehicles validation.

Presentations & Abstracts:

1. Functional Safety ISO 26262: Why adopt it and why get certified?
   With the increase of vehicle complexity and the addition of new vehicle features and functions, safety related systems are in higher demand in the market. To develop safety systems that are in compliance with ISO26262 is of increasing demand with the burden of proof falling to the OEMs. What does functional safety mean to you as an engineer and to your company. Would not knowing or being compliant to functional safety cost you in the future.

2. Product Development Lifecycle: Why you need to get different engineers in sync.
   Development lifecycles are key to modern product and software development. While it is being used in virtually all companies, not all companies implement it efficiently and tend to segregate the scope of each engineering group to a predefined scope. Find out the value of increasing the exposure of different engineering groups involved in your product development to the bigger picture and what added value does proper utilization of ALM systems can bring you.

3. Model Based Engineering: Best Practices
   Model based engineering (MBE) can cut down the development cost tremendously. However, not all engineers and companies using MBE implements it to its full potential. Whether you are missing styling guidelines, data dictionaries, or any other tools and processes that you can leverage to streamline your software development, it is important to identify the gaps and come up with solutions and explore alternatives.

4. Automotive Functional Safety, Cybersecurity and Safety of the Intended functionality: What are they? How do they align?
   The automotive world has been going through many changes in the last decade. Concern for vehicle safety and security is at its peak with all the new technologies in the vehicle. With reasonable, foreseeable risk assessment and to the best available state of the art technology, the automotive industry embarks on a journey to ensure vehicle safety. With functional safety ISO2626 in its current forefront, the automotive industry is focusing on ensuring the protection of the vehicle on the road from electric, electronic and software failures, particularly one that can go undetected. In order to mitigate these failures, functional safety process establishes a guideline for the automotive industry to ensure the safety of vehicle operation. Another major concern with vehicle connectivity is exposure to hacking. For that cyber security followed closely with SAE J3061 and its upcoming ISO 21434, cybersecurity standards establish a framework for the automotive industry that aims to identify cyber attack vectors and ways to protect against them so that no one can take control of vehicle remotely.  The newest addition to the family is safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF) ISO 21448. SOTIF aims to ensure that the automotive industry develops the right functions and that these functions are protected from misuse. With all these new standards focus on safety and security, automotive engineers are wondering what that means for them and for the future of the industry. With each standard having a unique focus and them complementing each other, a level of understanding is required by the automotive engineers to be able to adapt in a rapidly changing industry. In this lecture you will have a short intro about each standard and how they complement each other.

Restrictions: Request one month's notice to fit into work schedule

Equipment Needs: Typical classroom/training room setting - projector & microphone for larger audiences.