About US
our sub-teams
Chem-E-Car is a multi-disciplinary engineering design team that competes in the annual AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) Regional and National Chem-E-Car Competitions.
The goal of the competition is to build a shoebox sized car that travels a specified distance. Chem-E-Car provides the opportunity for UBC Engineering students to work on Mechanical, Propulsion, Circuitry, Laboratory teams - learning valuable technical, interpersonal, and project management skills!
01
Mechanical
Models the body and other mechanical components of the car using CAD software such as SolidWorks. The car is made of 3D-printed components and various other purchased materials. The design team must incorporate and organize the reactor, power source, microcontrollers and wiring onto the car. It is also their responsibility to ensure the car's stability and ability to travel straight.
02
Propulsion
Builds an energy source (battery, fuel cell, combustion engine) to power the motor, and hence the propulsion of the car. The energy sources must provide a consistent output of energy and be able to be constructed at the day of the competition. It must also be heavily tested in varying conditions to ensure successful operation for competition day.
03
CIrcuitry
Responsible for designing hardware and firmware systems. Rigorously tests sensors to detect changes in chemical reactions. Develops firmware for the microcontroller to ensure precise control and reliable timed events. Additionally, circuitry designs and assembles custom PCBs using eCAD software such as Altium Designer into the final product.
04
Laboratory
Designs a chemical-based stopping mechanism for the car. The chemical reaction’s rate of completion is used to stop the car motor. The lab teams must design a precise and accurate reaction, calibration curve and equation that will calculate the concentrations or quantity of reagents that will result in the completion of the reaction at the required time
