First-Year Engineers Compete in Thrilling Minicar Showdown

The annual Freshman Design Competition at Johns Hopkins University transformed Levering’s Great Hall into a battleground for creativity and engineering skill last week. A total of 34 teams of first-year mechanical engineering students showcased their ingenuity by designing and constructing miniature vehicles powered by a wind-up spring motor, activated by pulling a string. The challenge required students to adhere to specific size requirements while incorporating at least three wheels, allowing ample room for imaginative designs.

Participants crafted vehicles with diverse themes, such as a duck, a British flag, and an ice cream truck. Team names added to the event’s lively atmosphere, featuring monikers like Wheelie Fast, Baltimotor, and Kermit Collider. Each team sent their creations down an 8-feet-by-1-foot track for intense head-to-head matches, where victory was claimed by the vehicle that successfully pushed its opponent past the middle line.

Engineering Challenges and Strategies

In the moments leading up to the races, tension filled the air. Team member Savannah Cabrera of team Lightning McQueens explained their strategy focused on mimicking an all-wheel-drive system to enhance traction over the bumpy track. “Our plan was just to create something that functions properly,” she stated, reflecting the practical approach many teams adopted.

Meanwhile, Emily Yao from team NEN expressed uncertainty about her vehicle’s performance, humorously noting the flames painted on the car’s undercarriage. “If it flips over, it explodes,” she joked, highlighting the playful spirit of the competition. Teams approached their designs with varied philosophies, with some prioritizing speed and others emphasizing size or brute force.

The competition also saw ingenious modifications, including ramps designed to launch opposing vehicles. However, the ultimate winners, team Pizza Car, demonstrated that fundamental engineering principles often yield the best results. Team member Allison Chuang shared that their focus on maximizing torque and acceleration was crucial to their success. “We figured it was a matter of who got to the middle first,” she noted.

A Celebration of Innovation and Teamwork

Chuang, along with teammates Christopher Yang and Jason Zhao, advanced through four levels of the competition bracket, ultimately defeating teams Tortoise and Sexy Subaru in the final round-robin match. In front of a silent, standing-room-only crowd, their vehicle’s consistent performance secured their victory. “Consistency was key,” Zhao remarked. “We stuck with the triangle shape from the beginning.”

Reflecting on their unexpected triumph, Chuang admitted, “I’m still shocked.” Todd Murphy, a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and lead instructor for the course, expressed little surprise at their success. “If you’d asked me a few weeks ago, I’d have said Pizza Car was a top contender,” he stated, guiding the competition with a bullhorn.

Murphy emphasized the event’s role in fostering creativity and teamwork among students. “This project is well-suited to their abilities at this stage and brings a lot of fun to the design process,” he said. The Freshman Design Competition not only showcases engineering talent but also cultivates essential skills for future collaboration in the field.