VIPER

A Touch of Tech

Administrator — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:09:27 +0000

"Rocker Neil Young tests LincVolt hybrid at VIPER"

images/stories/podcasts/TechTouch-07-10-09.mp3

First Ph.D. Graduate Returns

Administrator — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:23:55 +0000

Chris Boggs, who is the first Ph. D. to graduate from the IALR-based, Virginia Tech degree program, is now pursuing post doctoral work on the Eight Post Shaker Test Rig at VIPER's facility at Virginia International Raceway.

Chris Boggs, shown here with the 8-post rig with racecar, recently returned to VIPER after finishing his doctoral work in December, 2008.

The 8-Post Rig tests vehicular suspension systems. "Chris Boggs chose to come back to the area and work after earning his Ph.D. here," said John Kennedy, Senior Director of Research and Innovation at IALR, adding, "This is another confirmation that the IALR core mission is working as we attract talented students to the region, and keep them here so that we don't continue experiencing ‘brain drain'. It is exciting to see the shift to a technology-based economy coming to fruition."

VIPER

Administrator — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:10:29 +0000

Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research

Embracing the rich motorsports infrastructure present throughout Southside, the Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research (VIPER) is poised to make significant impacts into the field of vehicle dynamics and engineering.

Strength Through Partnership

Through the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, VIPER combines the research capabilities of Virginia Tech and Old Dominion University with the world class facilities and physical assets of the Virginia International Raceway (VIR).

About VIPER

VIPER is a national center for ground vehicle performance testing, engineering & research services specializing in racing, advance technology and performance vehicles.
Boasting world-class testing equipment, VIPER delivers cutting-edge performance to its motorsports, military and automotive industry clients.

VIPER's equipment includes:

VIPER Facility at VIR

11,000 sq. ft facility, half dedicated to laboratory space
Videoconferencing capability
Dedicated office space available for clients
Meeting space available
Broadband wireless internet access
Proximity to Old Dominion University's VIPER Engine Chassis Facility at VIR
Access to the ODU Langley Wind Tunnel

Contracting with VIPER

The advanced infrastructure and expertise of VIPER are available to individuals and companies. Click here to find out more about what VIPER can do for you.

VIPER/VT Racecar Unveiled

Administrator — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:07:20 +0000

Donated Petty Enterprises racecar gets Virginia Tech makeover: Race fans attending Virginia Tech's Thursday night football game against Maryland got a belated Halloween treat. Virginia Tech motorsports research center VIPER Service unveiled a new color wrap -- burnt orange and Chicago maroon - on one of the Nextel Cup racecars donated by Petty Enterprises earlier this year.

The letters "VT" will replace the ubiquitous number "43" associated with racing legend Richard Petty. The car, sporting a Hokie Bird on its roof, was displayed from 4:30 until 7:30pm on the Drillfield as part of the university's tailgate activities, according to Steve Southward, VIPER Director. VIPER, the Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research facility, is one of several mechanical engineering (ME) labs at Danville's Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), an outreach partner of Virginia Tech. The VIPER Service vehicle also sports a new Dodge engine and other power-train components, so it is now ready to collect track data for research projects.

Petty and son Kyle donated the car, and a twin, to the Virginia Tech Foundation for use by ME graduate students pursuing degrees at VIPER's facilities in Halifax County and at IALR. The second car retains its original #43 decal and yellow, red and blue color wrap. "We wanted one of the cars to be a marketing tool for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, VIPER Service, and Virginia Tech," said Southward. "And the best way to do that was put a new wrap on it."

Wrap is a literal term. Few racecars are painted nowadays, according to Southward. Rather, cars are "wrapped" in vinyl sticker sheets - some quite large in size - formed to the car's body. The basic wrap design doesn't include the myriad of sponsor stickers and other decals placed all over the vehicle. On the car's sides, where the doors normally would go, are the letters "VT." In place of the number on the roof is a Hokie bird. VIPER, the IALR, the Center for Vehicle Systems and Safety (CVeSS) at Virginia Tech, Virginia International Raceway and a list of other research labs and manufacturers will be represented by an assortment of stickers. A series of mechanical engineering equations and actual test data also adorn the car.(VT PR)(11-6-2008)

From Jayski.com

VIPER Service Open House Attracts 200

Administrator — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:02:45 +0000

Several hundred people toured the VIPER Service facility at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) during VIPER’s Open House at VIR April 24-26.

Race Tech magazine editor William Kimberly enjoyed driving VIPER’s new driving simulator as part of his tour during the VIPER Open House.

Scheduled in conjunction with VIR’s Bosch 250 Grand Am race, the Open House attracted motorsports fans and attendees from both the races and the 2009 Formula SAE Virginia competition and exhibition held concurrently at the racetrack. SAE is the premier membership society dedicated to advancing mobility engineering worldwide. Open House visitors, including media from Performance Racing Industry magazine and prestigious European racing magazines, accompanied by Jeff Read from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, got a chance to see the Virginia Tech Sprint Cup car on the VIPER 8-post shaker rig undergoing a live test. The newest test rig, a full-motion Driving Simulator, was also operating, with test drives available on several virtual tracks and cars currently available at the VIPER facility. Knowledgeable VIPER engineers were on hand to provide information about how the VIPER research facility is helping the racing community.

VIPER, the Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research, is a vehicle dynamics testing and research center offering state-of-the-art technology and expertise to improve vehicle performance. Located on Ace Drive at VIR, VIPER maintains a unique status as non-profit organization affiliated with Virginia Tech and Old Dominion University -- a leading academic & research institution targeting performance engineering -- and a leading vehicle performance center – Virginia International Raceway.