User talk:Uvic Formula SAE

The Team
Introducing: UV09

We are making many changes to this year’s car.

The frame CAD model is complete and designed to comply with not only 2008 rules but 2009 rules as well. We have switched to a bottom steer setup which provides a good boost in leg room. Our rear end is encased in a light weight aluminum subframe which also helps speed up assembly. A torsen type 1 differential is still our diff of choice because of its superior performance compared to a clutch type ATV differential. We are currently exploring the benefits of using an aluminum housing as opposed to the heavy steel one it comes with.

The engine is a 2003 Honda CBR 600 F4i. We will be running a revised dry sump system using an off the shelf pump. This allows us to use a flat plate for the oil pan which in turn enables us to lower the engine, dropping the center of gravity significantly.

The suspension uses unequal length chromoly tube A-arms with pullrods on in-board mounted Ohlins Cane Creek Shocks and springs. These are mounted fairly low in the car keeping the center of mass down as well. The up-rights in the rear have a built in drive shaft tri-pod carrier machined out of aluminum to reduce the weight and complexity of running a heavy steel stub shaft. This also allows us to run a large 60mm bearing increasing reliability and life.

The wheels are a custom design and machined from 6061 aluminum. They use a 13 x 7 inch two piece Kodiak barrels. The custom centers represent a weight savings of 1.5lbs per corner, which keeps un-sprung weight down and gives the car a unique look.

The complete model is almost finished, and construction of the frame has already commenced.

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The Competition
What is Formula SAE???

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is an international organization that hosts an annual event called Formula SAE. Formula SAE is a competition that has been held since 1981. The event is prestigious and is now appropriately supported by Ford, GM, Daimler-Chrysler and many other large corporations. The competition consists of design, fabrication, marketing and cost effectiveness of a formula-style, open-wheeled, open-cockpit race car.

The rules specify that an engine displacement of 610 cc is the limit. Power is limited by an air intake restrictor but not by the aspiration type. Turbo and Super-charged engines are allowed to make things exciting! FSAE cars must also have four wheel independent suspension. Judging incorporates all aspects of the cars performance and design including:

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Acceleration: a 75 meter straight course. *

Skid Pad: performance through a "figure 8" as quickly as possible. *

Autocross: the car is run through a flat course involving many tight corners. Performance is judged according to fastest overall times. *

Endurance: 22 km race course consisting of pure torture on the car! Fuel economy is also considered - for the survivors. *

Development Feasibility: factors in the car's design. This includes: cost efficiency, marketing, feasibility and innovation.

This competition takes place annually all over the world. We will be attending FSAE West in Fontana California June 25th to the 28th. It is truly one of the most exciting student engineering competitions in the world and is a stepping-stone into the field of motorsports.