sTeam: Project 1

The first project this semester was the Steam Car challenge. A simple design: a aluminum can filled with water is heated by a candle-inspired fuel and wick element. Thus, when ignited, evaporated water rushes out of a tiny opening in the aluminum can boiler, spinning a turbine and thus the wheels as well.

Our team, named sTeam, was comprised of five members.

Sam Furtak - Turbine Assembly

Kris Heemskerk - Chief Metal Cutter
Arsh Verma - Assistant Metal Cutter / Secretary

Jenny Roderick - Fuel Tank Assembly / Captain
Nathan Murray (Me) - Boiler Assembly

All five team members and the finished car:


We were successful at making the bugger 'go'. That is, with a little help pushing it after the fuel tank was lit, the steam car could sustain motion.

Our decorations (colored tape on the side and an 'Eat my Steam!' logo on the back) earned us the 'Best Decorated Car' award.