The Physics Behind Automotive Engineering

By: Justin Olson

Introduction

• Looking at something threw new eyes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz2zBQvaMxI&feature=related

Interesting Topics

• Supermileage Car (Chaska High School)• FSAE (University of Minnesota Duluth)• FSAE (University of Birmingham)

Challenges Every Engineer Faces

Major Concerns• Weight• Power• Handling• Braking• Emissions• Reliability• Aerodynamics

Physics in the Real World

• Weight:– Carbon Fiber

• Power:– Turbo

• Handling:– Suspension Components

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WrgxeHC228&feature=channel

Weight Reduction

• Carbon Fiber = THE BEST PRODUCT EVER INVENTED

Physics Behind Handling• Perfect steering and chassis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpZcRBfJIYA&feature=channel

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpnk-UIH0nM&feature=related

The Endless Power Struggle

• Turbo: One of the coolest mechanical items ever created (Concept behind it)– Many advantages• Huge power potential• Better fuel economy• Puts less stress on your engine (usually)

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1574045&id=1321074826

Chaska’s Supermileage

• Goals:• To get the best gas mileage possible• To design, engineer, build, and race a

car from the ground up

06-09 Car Performance Specifications:• Weight Without Driver: 826 lbs.• Weight With Driver: 1024 lbs.• Top Speed: UnknownCar Technical Specifications:• Engine: 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 600• Exhaust: Custom• Intake System: Custom SLS Rapid-Prototyped,

made from Duraform EX• Brake System: AP Racing Formula Ford Brakes

UOB Introduction and History• Formula Student is an annual engineering design competition, challenging

students from universities around the world to design, build, develop and race single-seater racing cars, simulating the rules of American Autocross events. The competition has been running in the UK for 10 years, organized by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

• Formula Student is increasingly recognized as the most effective proving ground for student engineers in the world, developing not just design and engineering skills but teamwork, people management, time management, money management, marketing, project planning and presentation skills.

• The range of prestigious industrial partners, sponsoring both teams and the event itself, is perhaps the clearest indication of the caliber of students coming through the competition and the value of having Formula Student

Endurance Time AttackFuel Economy

Noise

Tech Inspection

60* Tilt

Cost

Business

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ5xvVwXO-c&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_tWIia3A-s&feature=player_embedded#!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xRSk4l1fBE&feature=player_embedded#!

Aerodynamics & Fluid Mechanics

• Physics in Real Time with RTT RealFluid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuZQpWo9Qhs&feature=related

• How air behaves (3D Rendering)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4glyIEJGFMU&feature=related

Life as an Automotive Engineer

• Designing and Testing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc6y-cIuguc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Questions?