About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The team is currently finishing the frame of 2014 car. We will finish the frame by New Year. The powertrain team is currently researching the Yamaha R6 2010 engine with a dynamometer to acquire data. The electronics team is configuring the optimal wiring harness and ECU that will run the car. Suspension team is currently machining manually as much parts as possible to save weight. The composites team is currently making the three stage wings before proceeding with the remaining aero packages such as diffuser and side-pods.

This project will answer whether if Yamaha R6 2010 engine is better than the 2007 engine that we used last year in terms of performance and durability. On top of that, we will have quantitative data showing the significance of having aero packages. It has been a huge debate of whether to add the weight the car for down force.

What is the significance of this project?

During the competition, there will be design events where judges will question every feature of the car. Last year, we came up with theoretical data that are configured through simulation. But, the design judges are not satisfied with data that we compute, not done. This year, rather than using commercial software to predict our performance, we would like to conduct a real time testing with wind tunnel and dynamometer because those facilities will yield real data acquisition that will boost our rankings in the competition.

Having to design and conduct the tests without external help will urge team members that are only undergraduate students to perform as world-class engineers. In other words, this research will not only provide intellectual data but also stimulate the innovation within engineers in the team. We see that it is important to have team members learn more than textbooks, allowing them to conduct such researches are seen as the answer to a scholarly experienced undergrad student.

What are the goals of the project?

We will use the fund to pay for the wind tunnel testing and dynamometer expenses. Metals for engine stands, wind tunnel renting cost, equipment that needs to be bought or rented for transport of the car to the testing site, and foams to mold the wings are some expenses from the list. As an SAE team that rely on donors and sponsors, we will keep all donors updated with newsletters every Spring, Summer, and Fall. We also put names of donors that contribute at least $2,000 in our project, if you wish to. They will be embroidered on our three stage wings, please refer to https://www.facebook.com/jimbarnham/media_set?set=a.10201124788671943.1073741829.1536108853&type=3 for preview.