GM, 'U' plan for research laboratory

The Detroit gas-guzzlers of yesteryear may soon be replaced by a new generation of highly efficient cars, thanks in part to an agreement between the General Motors Corp. and the College of Engineering.

The agreement, which is the first of its kind between an American automaker and a national University, states that GM will fund a $5 million research lab at the University.

Engineering Dean Stephen Director said the University will benefit a great deal from the agreement with GM.

The lab will allow University faculty and graduate students to directly apply their research directly to cutting-edge technology emerging in the automotive industry, Director said.

"It provides an opportunity for our faculty and students to work on state-of-the-art, meaningful research projects along with top researchers from GM," Director said.

This helps ensure that research done by University faculty and graduate students will have real-world applications.

"When we do basic research, we see how it might be used in the private sector," said Panos Papalambros, University Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics.

GM also has much to gain from the project, Director said.

"They have serious problems that have to be addressed, and we have experts that can help them," he said. "It provides them an opportunity to work with our faculty and staff on problems, as well as provide opportunities down the road for hiring."

The lab's research will focus on three main areas of automotive engineering. The research topics include direct-injection engines that burn less fuel than conventional engines, lightweight aluminum body design and hybrid gas-electric vehicles.

The challenge the lab faces is to combine these processes to produce fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars without sacrificing the performance, safety and affordability car buyers demand.

"The ultimate goal is to be able to meet the mass market needs of efficiency, performance, safety and affordability," said Hazem Ezzat, department head for manufacturing and design systems at the GM Global Research and Development Operations in Warren, Mich.

While GM is not expecting any immediate results, Ezzat said he is optimistic about the project's outcome.

"We have access to some excellent technical skills at the University," Ezzat said. "We're looking at long-term research, but it is fairly targeted and focused."

Although GM's partnership with the University is a first for the automotive manufacturer, Ezzat confirmed GM's commitment to the project.

"We're looking at a strong, long-term relationship with one of the premier research institutes in the country," he said.

The College of Engineering is accustomed to such joint ventures with industry on a lesser scale.

Papalambros said the College of Engineering has worked hard to form bonds with "industry in general, and the automotive industry in specific," and is working to form alliances with all of the Detroit Big Three automotive manufacturers.

Papalambros said he expects between eight and 10 faculty members and about the same number of graduate students to participate in the project.

02-12-98