Chem-E-Car

The Challenge!? …
… to design and build a small car (it must fit within a shoebox) that is powered by a chemical reaction. You car must be able to carry a certain load of water and then stop closest to a specified distance. Closest car is the winner! So what’s the catch? You will only find out one hour before the competition the size of the load and the distance to be travelled.

Why?
An important part of chemical engineering is the ability to control a chemical reaction. Another key skill for chemical engineers is to design a chemical process which is safe, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective and which can be delivered on time and on budget. If you can conquer Chem-E-Car then you are well on your way to Chemical Engineering greatness!

Chem-E-Car is a fun, interactive and open-ended learning experience for undergraduate chemical engineering students and, new in 2010, for high-school science students. The competition is about working as a team to design a relatively complex chemical process to a tight schedule and with a fixed budget. The effectiveness of the car is strongly dependent on its mechanical robustness and so success relies on more than theory. The competition will test your ability to design a working chemical reactor that must operate under real conditions, and which often requiring contestants to be flexible and fast-thinking. Do you have what it takes??

Where and when?
The 2010 Chem-E-Car competition is to be held as part of the 2010 Chemeca conference, 26-29 September 2010 at the Hilton Adelaide.

Where can I find out more?
See the competition rules, which include some previous examples of cars that have worked quite well. Otherwise, check out these tips and ideas.

How do I participate?
For High School students: talk to your science teacher and ask them to contact A/Prof Peter Ashman at the University of Adelaide.
For undergraduate students: talk to your Head of Department, Course Lecturer or Department Competition Coordinator and ask them to contact Dr Matt Hardin at the University of Western Australia.