OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITYFORMULA SAE MAE 435 – Spring 2015
April 21st, 2015
INTRODUCTION
• Formula SAE competition provides the opportunity for students to design, build, and race a formula style racecar
• The team placed 37th out of 109 teams in the 2014 competition
• The MAE 435 team is responsible for the design of primary component, fabrication of the car, and competition related administrative work
GANTT CHART
DRIVER CONTROLS
• Needle bearing supports for steering shaft reduced friction while turning.
• Pedal box redesign to fit into narrower frame
• Shift linkage mechanism modified to correct upshifts and downshifts
INTAKE
Runner Lengths Calculated Using Helmholtz resonance theory
• Material used TI-6061 Aluminum
• Large Plenum was designed to provide little flow restriction to the runners.
• Flow Analysis allowed us to tweak the design before fabrication.
DRIVETRAIN
• Gearing calculator used to find optimum gear ratio for acceleration and low top speed of the course
• Differential carrier designed for lighter weight while maintaining strength and durability
• Tripods, axles, and miscellaneous parts selected for durability and value
SUSPENSION
• Suspension calculator used to determine the camber and camber gain
• Push rod suspension selected over pull rod based on the 2014 car’s performance
• Front upright design changed to decrease weight, rear design changed to accommodate push rod system
BRAKES
• Switched to 4 wheel disc brake setup for more control over braking force
• Increased rotor size for increased stopping power
• Redesigned front and rear carriers to allow for more clearance
AERODYNAMICS
• Custom designed nose cone, sidepods, and diffuser
• First CFD aerodynamic analysis completed on an ODU FSAE car
• Diffuser increases rear downforce and speeds airflow underneath car through full length
• Reshaped the nose and sidepods to decrease drag as much as possible
SPONSORSHIP
• Sponsorship presentation created to market team
• Sponsorships include Exxon-Mobil and Panda Express
BUDGET
• Over budget by $4,950.00, but received $4,210.00 for a net over budget of $740.00
COST REPORT AND PAPERWORK
• Cost report was submitted on time with great detail
• Other paperwork submitted in a timely fashion and approved
• High quality posters and presentations for competition in production
TESTING, TRAINING, AND COMPETITION
• Competition is May 13th – 16th
• Car will be tested for durability every weekend after April 18th until competition
• Competition consists of endurance, autocross, and acceleration events
• Drivers will practice on technical sections of course
QUESTIONS?THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!