CLEVELAND … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation will provide opportunities for University of Michigan students to work on relevant, hands-on projects as a sponsor of the university’s Multidisciplinary Design Program (MDP). Designed for highly motivated individuals seeking real-world experience and credentials, the MDP challenges students to solve problems and create breakthroughs for sponsoring industries through multidiscipline team collaboration.

 

“We’re impressed by the program because it will show students how Eaton and other industries approach challenges and solve problems using diverse and multi-skilled teams,” said Anthony Vaughan, director of engineering, Conveyance Systems Division, Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “Our new relationship with the University of Michigan also will provide opportunities for Eaton to explore new technologies and solutions that can benefit customers across all of our business sectors.”

 

Eaton’s sponsorship of 2013 industrial projects includes a $15,000 contribution to the program. Eaton will work with MDP faculty members to present project challenges to student teams, along with predetermined financial and business resources to support their efforts.  The MDP provides students with skills training and project management support, as well as the option to minor in Multidisciplinary Design. At the end of the year, student projects will be formally evaluated and showcased during a design expo sponsored by the university.

 

In addition to encouraging technology innovation, Eaton views the new relationship as a valuable tool for recruiting talent and providing hands-on, industry-related experiences for engineering students who participate in the MDP.

 

“The Multidisciplinary Design Program directly addresses Eaton’s strategy of component excellence and superior systems,” Vaughan said. “As an aerospace market and technology leader, Eaton recognizes the importance of building a talent pipeline of engineers with multi-disciplinary capabilities. This is especially crucial as technologies migrate from pure mechanical to electro-mechanical systems and the industry pursues more complex components and intelligent conveyance systems to reduce aircraft weight and improve fuel efficiency.”

 

For the first MDP project, a student team will focus on developing a robust, predictive and validated fire-resistance model for Eaton’s high-performance quick-disconnect products. Quick-disconnects are self-sealing couplings that enable fast, easy and reliable connections and disconnections of lube oil, coolant, hydraulic and fuel systems for a wide range of commercial and military aircraft. Students will use the model to create new product designs with enhanced fire-resistance capability.

 

"We are excited to grow our relationship with Eaton through their participation in the Multidisciplinary Design Program,” said Gail Hohner, managing director of the MDP. “This program will allow our students to tackle real-world challenges in the environment of professional practice while providing Eaton a platform to receive innovative solutions to relevant business issues. It's a win-win for all."

 

More information about the University of Michigan’s Multidisciplinary Design Program is available at http://www.engin.umich.edu/multidisciplinarydesign

 

In the aerospace industry, Eaton is a leading supplier of hydraulic, electro-hydraulic pump and generator products and integrated systems; engine and airframe fuel pumps; electric motors; aircraft door actuation, flight and flow controls; fluid, fuel and air delivery products and systems; nose wheel steering systems; integrated control systems; cockpit controls and displays; power and load management systems; pressure sensors, seals, and fluid health monitoring products and systems. Eaton serves commercial and military aviation, aerospace, military weapons, marine and off-road markets worldwide.
 

Eaton Corporation plc is a diversified power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. The company is a global technology leader in electrical products, systems and services for power quality, distribution and control, power transmission, lighting and wiring products; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton acquired Cooper Industries plc in 2012. The new company, Eaton Corporation plc, has approximately 100,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.