* A radio-controlled biplane designed and built by students in K-State's chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers has landed in second place overall -- and first among U.S. teams -- in the regular class category at the 2008 Aero Design West, an international competition. The K-State entry, "The Purple Diablo," took second behind an entry from Ecole Polytechnique De Montreal. K-State also took second in the regular class category for the most payload lifted at 27.31 pounds. The competition, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers April 4-6 in Fort Worth, Texas, attracted 35 teams. The planes had to take off and land while carrying a maximum cargo. K-State also finished fifth overall -- and second among U.S. teams -- at the Aero Design East international competition, April 18-20, in Marietta, Ga. April 2008
* Brian A. Coon, associate professor of civil engineering and director of the University Transportation Center at K-State, has been appointed to the Committee on Tort Liability and Risk Management by the Transportation Research Board Executive Committee. The Transportation Research Board is a division of the National Research Council, a private nonprofit institution that provides expertise in science and technology to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The council is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine. The Committee on Tort Liability and Risk Management fills needs of the states for research, education and training in the areas of tort liability and the administration of risk management. March 2008
* When it comes to building with concrete, a student team from K-State is among the best. The five-member team finished tied for second in the international Concrete Construction Competition offered by the American Concrete Institute. Finishing first was Missouri State University, and tying with K-State for second was Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. All three teams received $500 for travel expenses to the institute's annual conference in Los Angeles, where they presented their winning solutions to the institute's Construction Liaison Committee. More than 200 students from 49 teams from schools across North America competed. For the competition, teams were assigned a real-life, high-profile job problem to solve. March 2008
* A K-State senior in architectural engineering has received a $10,000 scholarship from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. James Newman, Hoxie, was selected for the Willis H. Carrier Scholarship by the society for his outstanding scholastic and leadership abilities, character and potential service to the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration profession. The one-year scholarship is to assist top students in pursuing a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering. It can be used for tuition and fees required for enrollment, including books, supplies and equipment. February 2008
* K-State's Advanced Manufacturing Institute has received a gold Addy award from the American Advertising Federation for best direct mail campaign. The award-winning "Dream Team" campaign featured nontraditional pieces, including player's cards, which resembled baseball cards with the institute's project managers; perforated ticket stubs offering the institute's services; and a foam fan finger to make the campaign's message memorable. The campaign's creative team included Lea Studer, the institute's marketing and communications manager, and three K-State student interns at the institute. January 2008
* The Advanced Manufacturing Institute at K-State has assisted John Deere with the development of its Nevergrease Pin Joints. John Deere identified a need to extend pin joint life, make pin joint life consistent and eliminate pin joint greasing, all while working in varying operating conditions and applications. Deere came to the Advanced Manufacturing Institute for assistance, and the institute developed a test fixture that replicated the pin joint wear customers experienced in a variety of applications. NeverGrease is currently available on three Deere loaders and the company's confidence in the product is underlined by providing a three-year or 10,000 hour guarantee on the pin joints. "AMI has proven that they provide excellent value for John Deere with their unique, cost effective approach for providing analysis, testing and evaluation services," said Doug Meyer, director of construction equipment engineering for John Deere. "Our relationship continues to grow and become stronger with each new design verification project." January 2008