MADMEC 2008:
"Materials Solutions for Alternative Energy"
PROPOSALS DUE: April 25, 5 pm, Room 6-107

CHALLENGES

MADMEC 2008 will feature six distinct challenges, as well as an "open" category. Participating teams can choose to develop a prototype within the constraints of the defined challenges, or they may choose to create their own challenge.

1. THE CAR CHALLENGE: Design and build a prototype device that exploits untapped sources of energy in the various systems of an automobile. These could include heat from the engine compartment or tires, vibrations or vertical/ horizontal motion of the suspension and chassis, energy from braking systems etc.

2. THE BUILDING EFFICIENCY CHALLENGE: Design and build a prototype device that utilizes wasted energy at MIT. Examples could be harnessing the power of waste heat with thermoelectrics; transforming vibrations from foot-traffic, ventilation or other sources into electricity etc.

3. THE ROBOT CHALLENGE: Construct a remotely controlled vehicle that runs on a non-traditional energy source for application in areas such as inhospitable terrain, toxic spill clean up, etc

4. THE BIO CHALLENGE: Build a device that draws its power from biological or agricultural sources. Examples include bioreactors, fuel cells, algae-derived power, or even novel applications of biodiesel, butanol or ethanol.

5. THE 3rd WORLD GREEN BUILDING WINDOW CHALLENGE: Use nontraditional material sources to construct a material (system) that can transmit visible light while reflecting the IR. Demonstrate the efficiency for both types of radiation against a heat lamp source on a 4" x 4" window in a standard chamber.

6. THE HABITAT CHALLENGE: Build a prototype that improves any aspect of our habitat, including not only housing but also air cleanliness, water cleanliness or more sensory variables such as acoustics or olfactory issues.

7. THE OPEN CHALLENGE: Define and build your own prototype device that exemplifies the key aspects of the MADMEC 2008 "Materials for Alternative Energy Theme."

CHECKPOINTS

MADMEC 2008 will feature 3 "checkpoints" that each team will have to complete. For deadlines, please see the Schedule page. Checkpoints include:

May 28: CAD model and 3D printout
July 1: Produce a laser-cut part/assembly
July 30: Produce a CNC part/assembly

The facilities for completing these checkpoints are now available within the DMSE, and specific MADMEC training sessions will be offered to contest participants on 3D printing, laser-cutting and the CNC mill and lathe. At least two of the three checkpoint parts must be directly related to or used in the team's prototype -- the other need not be related to the team's chosen prototype or challenge. Each checkpoint's winning team will receive $500 in prize money.

Choose a challenge and enter MADMEC 2008!