Senai Andai
About Senai Andai
Senai Andai is a Mechanical Design and Simulation Engineer at Toyota Racing Development USA, where he has worked since 2013. He specializes in geometry optimization and has contributed to various projects, including the structural design of engine components and the layout of NASCAR engines.
Work at Toyota Racing Development USA
Senai Andai has been employed at Toyota Racing Development USA since 2013, serving as a Mechanical Design and Simulation Engineer. His role involves utilizing Tosca for geometry optimization, focusing on mass, center of gravity, and inertia targets. He has contributed to the structural design of valvetrain components and engine motorplate. Additionally, he played a key role in the engine ancillary architecture layout for the 2022 NASCAR engines and conducted failure analysis of engine components to enhance reliability and performance.
Education and Expertise
Senai Andai earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington, completing his studies from 2008 to 2012. He also studied Engineering at Richland Community College from 2007 to 2010. His expertise includes proficiency in ProE/Creo 7 for solid and surfacing modeling, as well as experience with Abaqus CAE for stress, modal, and contact analysis. He has a strong background in conducting stress analysis of engine components and performing vibration analysis of dyno test rigs.
Background in Formula SAE
Senai Andai has a significant background in Formula SAE at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he served in various roles from 2008 to 2012. He was the President and Founder of the organization, and also worked as a CNC Machinist, Manufacturing & Programming Consultant, and Research Assistant. His contributions included providing FEA support for projects and acting as a QC interface for valvetrain hardware, ensuring quality standards were met.
Previous Work Experience
Before joining Toyota Racing Development, Senai Andai worked in several engineering roles. He was a Mechanical and Electrical Drafter at NELSON from 2007 to 2008 and a Junior Hardware Engineer at Hanson Robokind and Intelligent Bots, LLP for three months in 2011. He also interned as a Mechanical Engineer at Walt Disney Imagineering in 2012. His diverse experience has equipped him with a broad skill set applicable to various engineering challenges.
Technical Skills and Contributions
Senai Andai has developed a range of technical skills throughout his career. He has utilized Tosca for geometry optimization and conducted failure analysis to improve engine component reliability. His work includes integrating ferro magnetic sensors for valve motion measurement in motorsport applications and supporting production assembly line and race team engineering to enhance operational efficiency. He has also performed stress analysis using both 3D and 2D axisymmetric models.