pacific nw transportation consortium region 10 Pactrans

On April 18, PACCAR engineers and managers met with Dr. Wang and Ms. Bayya to discuss student internships and learn more about faculty research of interest to the company with the purpose of gaining more understanding on partnership opportunities.  The visit was made possible by UW College of Engineering with the purpose of building current relationship and expanding collaboration with PACCAR especially on research.

Valerie Overlan, Associate Director of CFR gave an overview of PACCAR. PACCAR’s Technical Centers in Europe and North America are equipped with state-of-the-art product development and validation capabilities and staffed with experts in powertrain and vehicle development. The advanced engineering tools in the technical centers are utilized to innovate and accelerate the launch of new products. New 3-D prototype machines were introduced in 2013 to accelerate the design process from concept to production. Digitally controlled, proprietary hydraulic road simulators enhance product validation by replicating millions of road miles in weeks, instead of years. Sophisticated computer simulations and advanced analysis of engine and vehicle control systems operate on powerful supercomputers to optimize vehicle efficiency. Tech Center GM, Phil Stephenson, identified several areas of need where he would like to work with UW COE faculty for their expertise. They would like to discuss student internships/recruiting, and learn more about faculty research with the following areas of interest:

1. Controls

2. Combustion; specifically After Treatment

3. Materials processing; lighter in plating & painting

4. Performance; wind tunnel and aerodynamics

5. Electrical Systems; verification

6. Advanced automated driver systems

Dr. Wang talked about PacTrans and our mission as a UTC and presented the DRIVENET. Graduate student Ruimin Ke explained ongoing research on collision avoidance systems.   This will be the first of many visits as we forge relationship and explore ideas that have potential for increased collaboration.