The Conrods Express

Volume 1.2 December ‘12 12 pages

V.Sai Sandeep

The second version of “The Conrods Express”

has finally taken shape while we work hard to get

the correct mix of articles on the other hand the

lab is buzzing with loads of activity. While some

people are out scavenging for parts others are

busy fabricating the car. The chassis is almost

ready there is a lot of work going on in different

subsystems. The team has stayed back during the

vacations in order to complete the vehicle and

there is a race to finish , as everyone is very eager

to test the buggy!

In this episode of The Conrods Express, my

fellow editor chronicles the events at Baja. We

throw some light on the art of Rallying and this

time its CATIA in our software corner and find

out what thermosets are all about. To wrap it we

have our very own auto quiz plus lots more fun to

read articles!

Chronicle

of

The Conrods

Bikerz

India Tech

Scan

Here I am sitting in front of my brightly lit laptop screen, my fingers suspended over the

keyboard, the insertion point blinking in sync with my heart rate and I wonder how does

one chronicle the events from a vision of an engineering student to the very moment it

transformed into reality ? Every success story has its fair share of highs and lows, sacrifices,

dedication, motivation and most importantly determination. It started in the year 2008

when a young lad was intrigued by the idea of an engineering event by the name ‘Baja

SAE’.

With the courage to face the challenge and an urge to conquer the track, a team was

formed. ‘The Conrods’ as they called it, was geared up for a ride of a life time. Every year

since its inception the team grew strength by strength, link by link just like a group of

connecting rods (from which the name has been derived) powered the engine, inching

closer to their ultimatum. And like every other story, this too came to its turning point.

In 2011, the team was reformed and from a distant they seemed like the scattered pieces of

a jigsaw puzzle. Hence they again set off on a similar journey, with a similar destination but

with new aspirations. Little had they thought about the outcome but were hell bound to

give everything and put all at stake.

Their dreams united like a symphony as the ‘D-Day’ crawled closer 19th February 2012,

the scene shifts from the fabrication bay to the mighty terrain of Pithampur. There were

hundreds of mean machines rallying through the dirt and into the dust. Some held it

together where as others fell apart as they accepted defeat. Amidst all, rode a machine with

a will to face anything. ‘The Dirt Reaper 2.0’ reaped through the dirt as if there was no

turning back. The climax was a nail biter, the team, without a doubt, gave it all it had and

waited eagerly for the verdict. The pieces of the puzzle finally fit together and the picture

was clearer than everyone had imagined, ‘The Conrods-Baja Champions 2012’ and

nothing less. It is not difficult to picture the events which followed later, joy, bliss and a rush

of adrenaline.

Dirt, Guts, Glory!!

Nimesh Jhawar

CATIA(Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application) is a multi-platform CAD/Cam/CAE Commercial software suite developed by the French company Dassault Systems and marketed worldwide by IBM. Written in C++ programming language, CATIA is the cornerstone of The Dassault Systems product lifecycle management software suite.The software was created in the late 1970’s and early 80’s to develop Dassault’s Mirage fighterjet. Then it was adopted in the aerospace, automotive, ship building and other industries. Roof rails, Side rails, Body companents – because CATIA is very good in surface creation and computer representation of surfaces. Bomardier Transportation, Canada is using CATIA software to design its entire fleet of Train Engines & Coaches. CATIA also has a strong presence in the industrial equipment industry. Industrial manufacturing machinery companies like Schuler and Metso also use CATIA, as well as heavy mobile machinery and equipment companies like CLAAS, and also various Industrial Equipment product companies like ALSTOM power and ABB group. This shows the dynamic characteristics of CATIA and It finds use in wide variety of industries despite it being more constrained than others!

As off automotive companies they use CATIA to varying degrees including BMW, Porsche, Daimlar AG, Chrysler, Honda, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volkswagen, Bentley, Volvo, Fiat, Renault, Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Tesla Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. Goodyear uses it in making tires for automotive and aerospace and also uses a customised catia for its design and development. Many automotive companies use CATIA for car structures- door breams, IP supports, Bumper beams,

Bikerz United Under One Roof!

A Road Trip: Chennai-Bangalore-Elagiri

After a long wait I decided to make a trip from Chennai to Bangalore. I had left Chennai

by Friday afternoon in the hope to reach Bangalore by night fall and was soon on the

Bangalore highway which was quite busy with traffic.

I began to enjoy the ride and for the

first time came to know the enemy of

speed biking on the highway WIND!!!

It was a big struggle with the wind as

even at 100kmph the wind is strong

enough to blow the bike from one lane

to other but thanks to the CBR, I

managed to steer against the wind.

I reached Hosur by sunset and after

tanking up the bike and a quick bite dashed off to Bangalore only to find myself caught in

a shower, I hit Bangalore outskirts by 7 and was literally freezing because of the shower

and reached my final destination by 8.

After two days of roaming around in Bangalore it was time to ride back again! On the way

back i decided to make a detour to Elagiri and set off early in the morning and reached

Elagiri by mid noon and just loved the ride uphill, it was brilliant and the climate was just

perfect although clouds were looming above there was no rain after reaching the top had

a tea and circled once before getting back on my way to Chennai.

The rest of the trip was uneventful and I reached Chennai by 4 in the evening dead tired

the bike on the other hand showed little signs of strain and felt like it could do many km’s

more at a stretch! V.Sai Sandeep

For more news, reviews, rides and talks visit http://www.bikerzindia.com Please like us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/bikerzindia

It is unprecedented in the history of rallying for a driver to

be a world champion for 9 consecutive years. It

is no doubt that the person in question is

Sebastien Loéb. But not many know the history

behind this champion he was originally a gymnast

and joined the world of rallying in 1995. His first win

was in 2001 when he won the Junior World

Championship. In the year 2002 he was

signed by Citroen. His first podium finish at the WRC was in 2003 when he was the

runner-up by just one point to Petter Solberg. After which he went on to win 9

consecutive titles. He is a legend and his domination of the rally world was similar to

that of Schumacher in F1. There are many people who blame Loéb for people losing

interest in rallying but its my opinion that one cannot be criticised for being

exceptionally good!

Rallying!

The Citroen DS3 WRC is the World Rally Car built for the Citroen World Rally

Team by Citroen Racing for used from the 2011 World Rally Championship Season

onwards! It is based on the citroen DS3 road car, and replaces the highly successful

Citroen C4 WRC. It is built to the new World

Rally Car regulations for 2011, which

are based upon the existing Super

2000 regulations, but is

powered by a turbocharged

1.6 litre engine than the

normally aspirated 2-litre

engine found in the Super

2000 cars.

1977

1st plant established at Perambra, Kerala, India

1991

2nd plant at Limda, Gujarat, India

1994 Started selling tyres

for two wheelers

1995 3rd plant at

Kalmassery, Kerala, India

2008 New plant at Chennai,

Tamil Nadu, India Network of over 4,000

dealerships in India, of

which over 2,500 are

exclusive outlets

Revenue Share

India

Africa

Europe

2006

Expanded by acquiring Dunlop's Africa operations

Two manufacturing units in Zimbabwe

In RSA, Over 900

dealerships of which

190 are Dunlop

Accredited Dealers

2010 Enters the European

market

2009 Acquired Netherlands

based winter tyre maker Vredestein

Banden V.B.

Started selling in Germany, the UK, Italy

and Netherlands

Apollo Tyres was registered in 1976

Apollo Tyres Ltd is the

world's 15th biggest tyre

manufacturer, with

annual consolidated

revenues of Rs. 121.5

billion (US$ 2.5 billion)

in 2011.

It is planning to become

the 10th biggest tyre

manufacturer in the

world with annual

revenues of $6 billion

by 2016

The ABS on the Apache RTR 180 is the

result of collaboration between Continental

and TVS motors it comprises two small

discs mounted onto both wheels of the

motorcycle, each connected to non-contact

magnetic sensors that monitor wheel

speed. The sensors are linked to the

HECU (Hydraulic and Electronic Control

Unit) located under the fuel tank,

supplying it with wheel speed data every

tenth of a second. The HECU comprises a

pump that regulates brake oil pressure

acting on the callipers at both ends. In the

event of emergency braking, the HECU

recognises the rapid drop in speed and

regulates brake pressure through digital

valves to avoid the wheels from locking up.

This system also comes with Rear-wheel

Lift-off Protection (RLP) which relies on a

brake pressure sensor to analyse hydraulic

pressure in the braking system. If there is

potential for the rear wheel to lift-off under

extreme braking, the system momentarily

reduces pressure in the front brake circuit

till full stability is restored. The system

used by TVS also allows riders the option

to switch off ABS via a button in the

instruments bay.

The Continental ABS system used on the

TVS bike was introduced globally two

years ago. Its light weight (1.2kg) and

compact dimensions make it suitable to

Indian bikes. In fact, Continental is in talks

with other Indian two-wheeler

manufacturers for the fitment of this

system. Manufacturers in Brazil, Russia

and China are also on Continental’s radar.

However, the Continental ABS is a two-

channel system that requires hydraulic

b brakes, both front and rear. This

limits its application to premium

motorcycles that use front and rear disc

brakes.

Murali Srinivasan - GM

(Chassis and Safety Division)

Continental

Q. How crucial has ‘The Conrods’ been for what you are

today?

A. It has been everything...it is the most important thing

which has happened to my life...and to most of the

alumni. Because of Conrods I got a chance to attend

placements with my seniors and was placed at Mahindra &

Mahindra during my 5th semester. I experienced two

major BAJA SAE events. I developed a very practical

approach towards my work. There were sleepless nights,

but I enjoyed working with a group of dedicated batch

mates. I have received so much that it would be difficult to

give back in one lifetime.

Q. What is the purpose behind the formation of CAC

(Conrods Alumni Committee)?

A. It was not instantaneous but it was drafted after a

series of discussion with other team members

through all possible modes of communication.

When both teams ( The Conrods and Camber

Racing) won their respective events it struck me that

giving back to the college and the team can create

wonders. All the seventy alumni members can guide

the team in various sectors such as technical,

marketing or any other random advice which can

help them prepare for the global platform. The

college harnesses talent but it is the role of an alumni

to guide their juniors, so that they can achieve bigger

and better in a shorter period of time. After all what

the college has given us, I feel it is important to give

back to my alma mater.

Q. How does it feel to be back amongst ‘The

Conrods’?

A. It definitely feels very good to be with The Conrods

again, especially after what they have done and

achieved past four years and it is motivating for me

to be amongst the winners and it is a very good

experience.

Q. What do you think are the necessary qualities of a captain?

A. He or she should be a learner before a leader because if

you stop learning then you will stop leading. Second you

have to lead every individual...he or she can be your junior

or your own batch mate but you have to lead, guide and

give definite roles to everybody. If you do not assign roles

and tasks...it will lead to misguided and ambiguous

scenarios.

Q. Could you tell us something about your work life?

A. It has been a very good experience working at Mahindra

& Mahindra. I am working at XUV 500 plus platform as a

Trims Engineer for interiors and exteriors. I have also

been part of the product development and design phases

of the XUV hybrid all throughout. I was recently awarded

the ‘Rise award’ for ‘Positive change’ related to the same

work...I am also looking forward to a role change from

January 2013 onwards as a Customer Services Manager in

Pune.

Q. Any funny or ‘off the edge’ moment during your days with

‘The Conrods’?

A. (smiles) Well...there were many...especially when we

went to South Africa...it was a tense situation...our car

was locked up at the Johannesburg airport due to some

custom issues and I along with Prashant had to take care

of it. (chuckles) I was told that it is impossible to

converse the South African revenue services and

challenged me that I would be offered a job if I got the

car released. It happened so that we got it done in three

hours and the job too. For me nothing stands next to

the feeling of dancing bare body on the streets with

South African tribal masks on our faces.

Q. Any message for The Conrods 2013?

A. We are all together...the alumni is with you. You have

the potential to inspire us by your laurels. This year we

expect you to finish amongst the top five positions at

Baja which in turn will drive us (alumni) to do bigger

and better things in the future.

Aurijit Aiyer is an alumni of SRM University as well as a former member of ‘The Conrods’. Apart from being a mentor

and a leader he is also a reputed employee at Mahindra & Mahindra and a founding member of the Conrods Alumni

Committee. Our team got in touch with him to know his side of the story.

Q. You were also the captain of the first team to

participate at an international level...how is it different

from the Indian version (Baja SAE India)?

A. The international event which I took part in was in

South Africa during 2009. Even though the no. of

competitors at the event was less comparatively but

the professionalism was at a higher level. Your

professionalism, compliance to the rule book,

performance is tested thoroughly. In India, the

endurance run is tougher and back there it is the

technical inspection.

What are Structural Thermosets? K.SREE PRANEETH

Structural thermosets are an attractive alternative to

metals and thermoplastics. From car-body panels

and helicopter parts to electrical enclosures and

sporting goods, manufacturers increasingly rely on

structural-thermoset sheet-moulding compound

(SMC) and bulk-moulding compound (BMC) to

address demands for strong, light, and durable

materials.

Structural thermosets are distinguished from standard

thermosets by their use of more specialised resins and

higher levels of reinforcement- glass, carbon and

aramid fibres, for example. The added reinforcement

increases strength and stiffness, while resins protect the

fibres and improve compound’s overall physical

properties. Moreover, manufacturers can tailor these

properties by varying ingredients. For example,

changing fibre type, length, and mix proportion alters

its flow, strength, and rigidity; varying resin

concentration and type affects overall strength, along

with the compound’s heat or corrosion resistance. Advantages

The advantages of structural thermosets are

Tensile and flexural strength, dimensional

stability, corrosion resistance, cost effective

and high design flexibility.

Applications for structural thermosets

With excellent surface appearance and

mechanical properties, structural thermoset

compounds are an attractive alternative to

metals and thermoplastics in a variety of

industries. Important markets include military

and aerospace, transportation, safety

equipment, medical, electrical, industrial,

alternative energy and marine industries.

Test Your Auto Quotient

1

Answers: 1) 605.697kmph 2) Audi 3) Powertrain Control Module 4) Saab 99 5) Tata Indica 6) T-model 7) Lamborghini

8) Variable valve timing and electronic Control 9) MV Agusta F4 10) Ford Ecosport

Q1. What is the current land speed record on a bike?

Q2. The two famous football teams have recently signed

sponsorship with which iconic car company?

Q3. What is PCM and what functions does it carry out?

Q4. Which was the first main stream cars to be turbocharged?

Q5. What was the first ever totally Indigenous Indian car?

Q6. What was the first car launched by the Ford Company?

Q7. The company “Pagani” was started by an ex-employee of a car company. Which

company was he working in?

Q8. We are familiar with Honda’s technology “i-vtec”. What does this stand for?

Q9. Identify the exotic superbike in the picture?

Q10. Ford India is planning to launch an compact suv

next year which has more power per litre than a

Lamborghini Aventador! What is the name of the

car and the engine?

Engine Tune-up

Tune-up is to restore the engine to the performance level recommended by the auto maker. Tune

-up involves replacing parts that are close to or have already reached the end of their useful life.

Tune-up also involves servicing the parts to reliable conditions. Various engine systems must

be adjusted to meet the auto maker's specifications and keep them performing effectively.

Tune-up tasks:

Change oil and oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter Check battery fluid level and clean the battery posts and clamps Check

PCV valve, vacuum hoses, and electric connections Check for loose, cracked, or hardened spark plug wires. Replace the

whole set of spark plug wires .every three years. Replace spark plugs Replace distributor cap and rotor Adjust idle speed

Adjust ignition timing

Replace spark plugs:

Replacing spark plugs is the most critical tune-up procedure.

1. Pull off spark plug wires by carefully grasping the boot and twisting it back and forth. 2. Label each plug with masking

tape so that it is reinstalled on the correct cylinder.

3. Use a spark plug socket and ratchet to remove the plugs. If the plugs are hard to reach, you might need extensions and

universals. CAUTION: Make sure to center the plug in the socket. If held at an angle, the socket could break the plug

insulator.

4. Set the gap on the new plugs using a spark plug gauge. Look up the tune-up specifications for your car to determine the

correct gap.

5. Turn the plugs into the holes by hand. Finger tighten them another 1/8 of a turn with the socket wrench.

’s En-lightening Bolt