Introduction to Formula SAE
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Introduction to Formula SAE® Suspension and Frame Design
Edmund F. Gaffney III and Anthony R. Salinas
University of Missouri - Rolla
ABSTRACT This paper is an introduction to Formula SAE® (FSAE) suspension and frame design based on the experience of the design team at UM-Rolla. The basic theories and methodologies for designing these systems are presented so that new teams will have a baseline for their first FSAE design. Examples will be given based on UM-Rolla’s 1996 FSAE entry. INTRODUCTION Formula SAE® is a student competition, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), in which students design, build, and compete with a small formula style race car. The basis of the competition is that a fictitious company has contracted a group of engineers to build a small formula car. Since the car is intended for the weekend autocross racer, the company has set a maximum cost of $8,500. The competition rules limits the race car engine to a maximum displacement of 610cc with a single inlet restrictor. Other rules require that the car must have a suspension system with a minimum wheel travel of 50mm and a wheelbase greater than 1524mm. The car must also satisfy safety requirements such as side impact protection [1]. The competition is separated into static and dynamic events. The static events include the cost analysis, sales presentation, and engineering design. The dynamic portions of the competition are the 15.25 m diameter skid-pad, 91.44 m acceleration event, 0.8 km autocross, 44 km endurance race, and fuel economy. The FSAE competition was established to provide an educational experience for college students that is analogous to the type of projects they will face in the work force. To participate in FSAE, student groups work with a project from the abstract design phase until it is completed. Aspects of engineering design, team work, project management, and finance have been incorporated into the basic rules of
1
Formula SAE®. This
Introduction to Formula SAE® Suspension and Frame Design
Edmund F. Gaffney III and Anthony R. Salinas
University of Missouri - Rolla
ABSTRACT This paper is an introduction to Formula SAE® (FSAE) suspension and frame design based on the experience of the design team at UM-Rolla. The basic theories and methodologies for designing these systems are presented so that new teams will have a baseline for their first FSAE design. Examples will be given based on UM-Rolla’s 1996 FSAE entry. INTRODUCTION Formula SAE® is a student competition, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), in which students design, build, and compete with a small formula style race car. The basis of the competition is that a fictitious company has contracted a group of engineers to build a small formula car. Since the car is intended for the weekend autocross racer, the company has set a maximum cost of $8,500. The competition rules limits the race car engine to a maximum displacement of 610cc with a single inlet restrictor. Other rules require that the car must have a suspension system with a minimum wheel travel of 50mm and a wheelbase greater than 1524mm. The car must also satisfy safety requirements such as side impact protection [1]. The competition is separated into static and dynamic events. The static events include the cost analysis, sales presentation, and engineering design. The dynamic portions of the competition are the 15.25 m diameter skid-pad, 91.44 m acceleration event, 0.8 km autocross, 44 km endurance race, and fuel economy. The FSAE competition was established to provide an educational experience for college students that is analogous to the type of projects they will face in the work force. To participate in FSAE, student groups work with a project from the abstract design phase until it is completed. Aspects of engineering design, team work, project management, and finance have been incorporated into the basic rules of
1
Formula SAE®. This
References: [1] Formula SAE® Rules. Warrendale, PA: SAE International [2] Puhn, Fred. How To Make Your Car Handle. Los Angeles, CA USA : HPBooks 1981 [3] Smith, Carroll. Tune to Win. Fallbrock, CA : Aero Publishers 1978 [4] Milliken, William F.,Miliken Douglas L. Race Car Vehicle Dynamics. Warrendale, PA: SAE International [5] Van Valkenburgh, Paul. Race Car Engineering and Mechanics. Seal Beach, CA: Self Published 1986 [6] Staniforth, Allan. Competition Car Suspension. Newbury Park, CA USA : Haynes Publications Inc. 1988 [7] Riley, William F., Sturges, Leroy D. Engineering Mechanics Statics. New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 1993 [8] Bamsey, Ian. The Anatomy and Development of the Sports Prototype Racing Car. Osceola, WI : Motorbooks International 1991 [9] Bamsey, Iam. Lis, Alan. Competition Car Controls. Newbury Park, CA USA : Haynes Publications Inc. 1990 [10] Aird, Forbes. Racer’s Encyclopedia of Metals, Fibers, and Materials. Osceola, WI : Moterbooks International 1994 ADDITIONAL SOURCES Smith, Carroll. Drive to Win. Palos Verdes Estates, CA : Carroll Smith Consulting 1996 Smith, Carroll. Engineer to Win. Osceola, WI : Motorbooks International 1984 Smith, Carroll. Nuts, Bolts, and Fasteners. Osceola, WI : Motorbooks International 1990 Smith, Carroll. Prepare to Win. California : Aero Publishers 1975 11