Dartmouth Engineer

By Kathryn LoConte

E-85 Team: (left to right, Calvin Krishen Th'07, '08, Scott Lananna '.08, and Mark Criscimagna '07 Th'08. Photo by by Allie Fecych '07 Th'08

Formula Hybrid isn’t the only race car at Thayer School. Dartmouth Formula Racing (DFR) students have also created an E-85 car, which runs on 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. “E-85 cars stand out from other race cars because they generally produce more horsepower,” says DFR’s Calvin Krishen Th’07, ’08, left, pictured with Scott Lananna ’08 (center), and Mark Criscimagna ’07 Th’08 (right). E-85 cars, which compete against gas-powered cars in SAE competitions, also require various adaptations. “Certain parts of the engine have to be treated to protect them from corrosion. The engine’s computer must also be reprogrammed to account for its different burning properties,” says Krishen. The car has driven Krishen to anticipate future advances in fuels and technologies. “Most every alternative source can be proven feasible given the time and resources,” he says. “There may be an even better fuel-alternative around the corner, and it just takes some open-minded engineers to learn how to use it.”

—Kathryn LoConte is Assistant Editor at Dartmouth Engineer.

For more photos, visit our Dartmouth Formula Racing collection on Flickr.