This organization will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and advance their skills in engineering design and manufacturing, with a focus on fluid power systems.
National Fluid Power Logo
The mission of this organization shall be to design and fabricate a fluid power vehicle (bicycle or tricycle) to compete in the National Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, which is an annual event organized and sponsored by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA).
The Vehicle Challenge is an undergraduate program that requires engineering students to redesign a traditional bicycle using hydraulics as the power transmission mechanism, either as a senior capstone design project or as an extracurricular activity. Students experience real-world engineering under strict deadlines for designing, building, testing, and demonstrating their designs. NFPA members serve as mentors and judges to guide the students in their learning. Through the program, students learn about fluid power, the benefits of regenerative braking, build a network of peers and industry professionals from all over the country, and compete for cash prizes in three separate races – sprint, efficiency, and endurance.
Fluid power system design begins in the fall semester; fabrication work starts in the spring. The annual competition is held in mid-April.
Club members may take fluid power classes offered in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering to learn the principles of fluid power system design.
The NFPA will assign an industrial mentor to help with the Fluid Power Vehicle challenge team.
Additional Information
- Who can get involved with us? Undergraduate students enrolled at the University Park campus
- How to get involved with us: Contact the club advisor
- Our activities are primarily: In-Person
If you are interested in learning more, please contact:
Jude Liu, Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Fluid Power Advisor
Agricultural Engineering Building
436 Shortlidge Road
University Park, PA 16802
Contact Email: jxl79@psu.edu
Phone Number: 814-863-6844
