Formula Student Car
CASE STUDY 805
The design of a Formula Student race car: a case study
A Mihailidis*, Z Samaras, I Nerantzis, G Fontaras, and G Karaoglanidis Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece The manuscript was received on 28 November 2008 and was accepted after revision for publication on 5 March 2009. DOI: 10.1243/09544070JAUTO1080
Abstract: This paper presents the procedure followed in order to design the first Formula Student race car of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Despite the restrictions imposed by the Formula SAE rules, the designer has a broad range of freedom in creativity and innovativeness. The design concept of the main vehicle parts, such as the frame and the suspension, is described and the design objectives and assumptions are analysed. The paper also focuses on several new features regarding the suspension adjustments, the steering system, and the engine modifications. Following this procedure, it was made possible to build a competitive and reliable car in a period of just 9 months. Keywords: Formula Student, Formula SAE, tubular space frame, suspension design, drivetrain, engine
1
INTRODUCTION
Formula Student (or Formula SAE (F-SAE)) is a worldwide university competition, organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which encourages university teams to design, build, and compete with a Formula-style race car. To participate in the competition the vehicles must comply with the F-SAE’s strict rules [1]. The competition is split into static and dynamic events. Static events include vehicle presentation, cost, and design analysis, while dynamic events include four racing contests: acceleration, skid pad, autocross, and finally the endurance and fuel economy event. Common characteristics of all dynamic events are the very tight corners, the intense speed fluctuations, and the need for good vehicle handling. More information about the competition can be found
The design of a Formula Student race car: a case study
A Mihailidis*, Z Samaras, I Nerantzis, G Fontaras, and G Karaoglanidis Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece The manuscript was received on 28 November 2008 and was accepted after revision for publication on 5 March 2009. DOI: 10.1243/09544070JAUTO1080
Abstract: This paper presents the procedure followed in order to design the first Formula Student race car of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Despite the restrictions imposed by the Formula SAE rules, the designer has a broad range of freedom in creativity and innovativeness. The design concept of the main vehicle parts, such as the frame and the suspension, is described and the design objectives and assumptions are analysed. The paper also focuses on several new features regarding the suspension adjustments, the steering system, and the engine modifications. Following this procedure, it was made possible to build a competitive and reliable car in a period of just 9 months. Keywords: Formula Student, Formula SAE, tubular space frame, suspension design, drivetrain, engine
1
INTRODUCTION
Formula Student (or Formula SAE (F-SAE)) is a worldwide university competition, organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which encourages university teams to design, build, and compete with a Formula-style race car. To participate in the competition the vehicles must comply with the F-SAE’s strict rules [1]. The competition is split into static and dynamic events. Static events include vehicle presentation, cost, and design analysis, while dynamic events include four racing contests: acceleration, skid pad, autocross, and finally the endurance and fuel economy event. Common characteristics of all dynamic events are the very tight corners, the intense speed fluctuations, and the need for good vehicle handling. More information about the competition can be found