2009 Outstanding Student Researcher

Michael Arant is currently a graduate student at Clemson University pursuing a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Heavy Vehicle Handling Analyst for the Michelin Americas Research Company located in Greenville, South Carolina working on tire-vehicle interactions for heavy duty trucks as part of a larger tire research program.

Michael has worked on the NTRCI UTC Heavy Truck Rollover Characterization Project since it's inception. This project is funded under a grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).

Michael has made major contributions to every phase of the Rollover Project since early 2007, including: definition of on-track test maneuvers for study vehicles; preparation of test plans including determination of data needs for statistical validations; on-track test execution; development of data analysis software for both quality control purposes during track testing and for post-processing; development of vehicle models for handling simulations; validation of model versus experiment results; preparation of several chapters for two major project reports (Phases A and B); and presentation of his findings at the SAE Heavy Truck Handling, Dynamics and Control Symposium in Greenville, SC in May of 2009. Michael was given particular recognition during the Symposium for his study of modeling approaches for trailer torsional stiffness.

He has also played a major role in the NTRCI UTC sponsored project "Co-Simulation of Heavy Truck Tire Dynamics and Electronic Stability Control Systems" being conducted by the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. He has earned the respect of his peers for his technical insights, analytical capabilities, and openness in his discussions. Michael's energy, enthusiasm, and steadfastness of purpose have been invaluable and a major contributor to the success of these projects.

In recognition of his research contributions to the NTRCI UTC, his leadership role, and his commitment to success, the National Transportation Research Center, Inc. University Transportation Center is proud to select Michael Arant as its 2009 Student Researcher of the Year.