Carleton University FSAE Ravens Racing

Students from the Ravens Racing Team went to Dymech Engineering Inc to help build our RR10 car frame. With help from Dymech Engineering, our frame was completed in January. Pictures of our team members in action can be found here.

Ravens Racing is committed to performance and safety. The mechanical properties of the frame are critical design criteria for a winning race car. Maximizing frame strength and torsional rigidity while minimizing weight is a very important racing trade-off. In the fall of 2009, torsional stiffness tests were conducted on the Ravens Racing 2009 fully assembled frame, the same frame that competed in May 2009 at Michigan. Using laser levels, digital angle deflection measuring devices and a custom test rig the frame was twisted at the spindles with the suspension fully locked out. This “hub-to-hub” torsional test allowed the applied torque to be related to the angle of twist of the frame under each applied torque. From the data gained from these tests the torisonal stiffness of the frame could be computed and was found to be similar to a performance high end sports car. When compared to the results of the finite element analysis performed on the frame using modern engineering structural computer software the test results were found to compare closely, thereby validating the experimental torsional stiffness data. Ravens Racing understands the structure of their car which will allow them to make improvements especially in areas of suspension performance and handling.

Ravens Racing 2009 Frame (Fully Assembled) in the torsional stiffness custom test rig.

The Ravens Racing team worked with Axis Rapid Prototypes to create the injector body for the RR10 car. The injector body is made out of duraform, which is a type of plastic used for rapid prototyping. The purpose of the injector body is to connect the plenum to the intake port of the engine and inject the fuel. Before it can be installed on the car, it will require a layer of Permatex sealanet to ensure it does not leak fuel (on top of the cyanoacrylate that was already added by Axis Rapide Prototypes), and a layer of carbon fibre reinforcement on the side that connects the part to engine. The injector body can be seen here:

Prepare for a night of laughter and fun as the Carleton University Ravens Racing Team will be hosting their first ever ‘Comedy Night’ at Absolute Comedy January 6th, 2009. Tickets are $15 per person. If you are interested in attending and would like to purchase a ticket, or would like more information, please contact:

Nick Giordano
Email: ngiordan@connect.carleton.ca

• Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2010
• Time: Thursday, 8:00pm – 11:55pm
• Location: Absolute Comedy, 412 Preston Street, Ottawa 

The rapid prototype scale model is a representation of the frame that is used to develop the body. Modeling clay is used over the 3D printout and is formed to the desired shape, which is then scanned, scaled up and used to cut mold layers on a router table. These layers are then glued together, sanded to produce the desired finish, and finally cover with bondo and sealed to prepare for manufacturing via the VARTM process.

Yet another project year has begun with a new and enthusiastic team! On September 26 a baseline test for the RR09 car was conducted on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The entire team showed up to help prep the car and watch it do what it was made to do.

The baseline test will provide the team with a basis of comparison for the RR10 car that is currently being built.

A few pictures and a video of the eventful day can be found by following the links.

This year the Carleton University Raven’s Racing is builing an all new composite nose cone and crash structure. This design is different from previous designs, combining both the nose cone and the crash structure into one integrated component. This design will provide the car with enhanced off axis impact resistance. The proposed design is a layered carbon fibre reinforced epoxy nose cone providing the maximum energy absorption capacity in all directions.

Pictures of the nose cone manufacturing and testing can be found here.

Ravens Racing showcased the RR09 car as part of the Go Eng Girl event at Carleton University. More pictures can be found here.

Go ENG Girl is an exciting opportunity for Grade 7-10 girls across Ontario to visit their local university to learn about the wonderful world of engineering. To learn more visit Go Eng Girl.

Twenty two students, lead by 5 professors worked together on this years formula SAE project. From May 13th to the 16th the Ravens Racing team competed at the Michigan International Speedway Formula SAE event against ~120 other teams. The team competed in a series of events which ranged from Cost, Design, Marketing Presentation, Acceleration, Skid Pad, Autocross, and Endurance. Carleton’s team this year was honored in making it to the design semi-finals with the top 13 teams.

Team Photo (from left to right)
Back Row : Sami, Kody, Chris, Travis, Marko, Christian, Eric, Emil, Zarley, Stephane, Ron, Glen; Front Row : Andrew, Kevin, Brad, Shawn, Larry

FSAE Michigan Placings

Placement of other teams in the event can be found here.

2009 FSAE Competition Pictures

Future Plans

The RR09 car is to be fixed up over the summer, for baseline testing in the fall to compare with the soon to be built RR10 car. Preliminary design for the RR10 car has been completed over the past year, and review and manufacturing is to begin in the fall as part of Carleton’s FSAE program.

If interested in volunteering for the RR10 team, please contact Eric Ghoukasian (ericghoukasian@hotmail.com)

Special Thanks To:

Thank you to the team, sponsors, and everyone who helped us throughout the year, this project is made possibly with your support.