What is Formula SAE?
The project involves development of an open-wheeled racing car within the specifications set forth by the North American Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE). Formula SAE (FSAE) is an annual university design competition held at the Michigan International Speedway during the month of May and typically attracts upwards of 120 student based teams from universities and technical institutions from around the world. It consists of three major stages; design, construction and performance testing of the vehicle.
The design stage involves extensive use of computer- aided design methods to yield a vehicle that is optimized with respect to weight, strength, dynamics, aerodynamics, noise, and propulsive performance, while maintaining low cost and high safety standards. Typically, Carleton Formula SAE racing cars include features such as electronic shifting, computer-controlled engine management, fully independent double wishbone suspension, and a tubular space frame. Construction of such a vehicle highlights design issues related to manufacturability, and provides an opportunity for valuable hands-on experience with a wide variety of advanced manufacturing processes.
The Competition
The vehicles are judged on two categories of events, static and dynamic. The static events include design, cost analysis, and marketing presentation. The dynamic events are based on several timed runs including: acceleration, skid pad (figure-eight), autocross, fuel economy, and a 22km endurance race. The cars are scored in each separate event.
Formula SAE at Carleton University
Starting in 2006, Carleton embarked upon a 5 year development plan emphasizing evolutionary rather than revolutionary design. Over the five years, Ravens Racing plans to integrate a carbon fibre monocoque frame, a new engine, power train system, and a full aerodynamics package. The first car to come out of the new 5-year plan achieved Carleton’s best finish in the program’s history with an overall finish of 25th out of 120 teams.
Formula Hybrid at Carleton University
The Formula Hybrid competition is a spinoff of Formula SAE based on hybrid vehicle technology. This car must use a hybrid gas/electric power train which emphasizes innovation and fuel efficiency in a high-performance application.
Like Formula SAE events, the Hybrid competition includes an acceleration test, autocross and endurance events, as well as engineering and construction static events. Unlike Formula SAE, Formula Hybrid events put a greater emphasis on drive train innovation and fuel efficiency.
In 2010, Carleton is designing our very first Formula Hybrid car. Carleton plans to be a competitive Formula Hybrid team within the next few years.
