EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, Aug. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MTS Systems Corporation (NASDAQ: MTSC), a leading global supplier of high-performance test systems and sensors, continues to support Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) related initiatives. STEM is a US-based educational program designed to engage school-age students in technical fields of study, preparing them for college endeavors. MTS was involved, once again, in this year's STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair on August 25^th. This event gives young people further encouragement to follow careers in engineering by giving them the opportunity to interact directly with exciting new technology.    

Over the years, MTS has offered a wide range of engaging hands-on activities and this year was no exception. This year's STEM demonstration is a model rolling road wind tunnel system (1:20 scale). Rolling road wind tunnels are used by aerodynamicists in the automotive industry to study the relationship between vehicle design and fuel economy. Children of all ages were given a simple car chassis and, using modelling clay, added their own streamlined bodywork. The resulting models were then tested on the miniature system; integrated sensors made it possible to measure the vehicle's aerodynamic drag. This simulates the tests conducted on the state-of-the-art rolling road systems developed by MTS. 

Past highlights of the company's involvement with the Fair's STEM Day have included an earthquake simulation experiment, a wave tank experiment, and a test system for bone splints.

MTS is firmly committed to promoting scientific and technical fields to all age groups. At elementary school level, this can be through the design and launching of bottle rockets and a bridge building contest using toothpicks as the primary construction material. In high school, support for STEM can take the form of assisting sponsoring teams to participate in robotics competitions. For college students, it takes the form of internships, mentoring and co-op programs.     

"We cannot overemphasize the importance of these STEM outreach activities. They are a manifestation of our core beliefs at MTS, allowing us to act as stewards for the engineering community," said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, Chief Executive Officer and President of MTS. "We are advocating the value of STEM to our youth and their parents – through every phase of their development."  

"Being involved in STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair is something we all look forward to each year. Passing on our enthusiasm for technology to the kids is something uniquely rewarding," adds Dr. Dennis Harvey, Senior Project Manager. "It is very gratifying to know we are stimulating the minds and capturing the imaginations of our youth who are destined to become the next generation of engineers and scientists."       

About MTS Systems Corporation
MTS Systems Corporation's testing hardware, software and services solutions help customers accelerate and improve their design, development, and manufacturing processes and are used for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products, and structures. MTS' high-performance sensors provide controls for a variety of applications measuring motion, pressure, position, force and sound. MTS had 2,400 employees at October 3, 2015 and revenue of $564 million for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2015. Additional information on MTS can be found at http://www.mts.com

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