Over a year ago, Team Lux, Yale's student solar-racing crew, set out to build a better car, and they hope they've succeeded. The vehicle they built, Lux Perpetua, is "an elegant and innovative new step in the evolution of solar car design," say the students. With its full-length, aerodynamic body and sophisticated technology, Lux Perpetua is lighter and faster than most other solar-powered vehicles, says Ethan Bregman '02, one of the members of Team Lux. They plan to enter the car in Sunrayce '99, a bi-annual, 10-day contest for solar cars built by college students. This most recent model is an update of the solar car the team built and raced in 1997, when the vehicle took ninth place (out of 36 teams finishing). With their sights on Sunrayce '99, Team Lux streamlined and upgraded the original model, hoping for a more brilliant finish this time around. When the team presented its computer-design plan to engineering experts, "we ran into skepticism because no one had ever done it before," says Bregman. The determined students, however, secured work space in Mason Lab and got advice from several faculty members. The students also received help from corporate sponsors. Founded in 1994 by undergraduate engineering students who wanted to build a solar car, Team Lux currently is an interdisciplinary group. "What Team Lux does," Bregman notes, "is provide an opportunity for students to do things in the real-world environment that you can't do in the classroom. Every night we can do it 'for real.'" The students hope that Lux Perpetua's advanced design will help them win Sunrayce '99, which begins June 20 in Washington, D.C. and ends June 30 in Orlando, Florida. They also plan to enter Australia's World Solar Challenge in October. After the Sunrayce competition, Lux Perpetua will be on exhibit at Disney World's Epcot Center. Between races and displays, local residents may catch a glimpse of the solar car navigating the streets of New Haven. The result has been worth the effort, says Bregman. "There's no downside to being on the team," he notes. "What we hope to do is pass on this experience to others." T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S Yale celebrates 298th Commencement Yale launching a more user-friendly home page on the World Wide Web Anthony T. Kronman reappointed as Dean of Law School Festival will bring world of art and ideas to city Endowed Professorships New Haven attorney Julie Carter joins Office of General Counsel To eat well, relax at the table, advises master chef Pépin Reunion programs will both educate and entertain returning alumni Some Yale graduates dancing down a different path Yale's new student-built solar car headed for Sunracye '99 New alumnae's nursing training included health work overseas Harold Samuel dies; brought musicians' archives to Yale Dining staff friendliness ranks high on survey Prostate Cancer Awareness Stamp to be unveiled at campus event Conference to explore the future of language Dr. William F. Collins is recognized for lifetime contributions to neurosurgery Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events| Bulletin Board Classified Ads|Search Archives|Production Schedule|Bulletin Staff Public Affairs Home|News Releases|E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page

 Lux Perpetua