About CMU Solar Splash
Carnegie Mellon Solar Splash (CMSS) is a recognized undergraduate organization within the campus community. The purpose of CMSS is to raise public awareness of alternative fuels like solar power. The primary focus of the group is to design and build a solar/electric boat for entry in the Solar Splash competition. The competitive craft is used as an exciting way to demonstrate the feasibility of solar power. The group draws members from various departments united in helping the team achieve its short term and long term goals. Engineers work on designing a feasible solution. Designers market the team visually. Business minded students help market and raise money to support the team in all its actions.
The Solar Splash competition is the World Championship of Intercollegiate Solar/Electric Boating. Outstanding achievement at this competition undoubtedly brings recognition to the team. To that end, 2006 marked the inaugural year for CMSS at Solar Splash. In the course of an academic year, CMSS designed a boat, raised enough funds, and entered the competition. CMSS placed 14th overall and earned the distinction of "Notable Performance by a Rookie Team." For the 2007-08 academic year and 2008 competition, CMSS is committed to achieving the following goals: a redesign of the hull, a new propulsion system, a testing platform for its electrical systems, and sustainability of CMSS in the campus community.
Competition Events
- Sprint
- A drag race for boats.
- The race is 300 meters and tests top speed.
- Endurance
- NASCAR like laps for a two hour duration.
- The objective is to complete as many laps as possible.
- Slalom
- A time trial run around a course that weaves and loops around buoys.
- This event tests maneuverability and acceleration.
Student Involvement
Solar Slash is a large scale group project and members of the organization form a dynamic team. Students from all disciplines find the project rewarding. Most team members are Mechanical Engineering and ECE majors. However, business majors work on finances and fundraising and design majors help with presentation.
Solar Splash is a unique organization at Carnegie Mellon and it is a great opportunity to gain practical experience working in a team to meet objectives and goals. Boat building is fun and rewarding!
Communication
If you have any questions please send email to the CMU Solar Splash president.
For event updates visit the events page or view the Bboard assocs.solarsplash for CMUSS updates