Fueled by the region’s rich history of racing, research at Virginia Tech’s Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research (VIPER) in Danville, Va., is opening new doors to economic growth. The motorsports and high-performance engineering research being done at the center is drawing the attention of companies like AVRC and NextGen Aeronautics to Southside Virginia. VIPER provides state-of-the-art research capabilities and hands-on training for future engineers and strengthens the region through workforce development, community partnerships, and the creation of new technologies. Thanks to VIPER, the region is on the fast track to a strong economic future.
With its “shaker rig,” VIPER simulates the forces exerted upon a vehicle, including braking, acceleration, and rolling motions. VIPER is progressing toward a patent for a device that measures these forces. One of the key attractions at the VIPER lab at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is the driving simulator, and soon the program will get another one. The first simulator is optimized for racing. The new one, set to arrive in the first quarter of 2011, will be optimized for passenger cars. VIPER and its associated Performance Engineering Research Laboratory (PERL) are exploring several other avenues to improve transportation. One project is a novel method for improving traction control for civilian vehicles that borrows from the way racecar drivers learn the limits of their machines. Another initiative directly involves local partner Danville Community College, and it could lead to the manufacture of an electric vehicle in the region.
The advanced infrastructure and expertise of VIPER are available to individuals and companies. Visit its website to learn more.