Penn State Formula SAE : Should We Wing It?

$370
Raised of $7,000 Goal
6%
Ended on 1/13/14
Campaign Ended
  • $370
    pledged
  • 6%
    funded
  • Finished
    on 1/13/14

About This Project

Penn State Formula SAE is a student run design team with the task of designing and prototyping a formula style race car for the annual Michigan SAE Collegiate Design. At this competition, teams from all over the world are judged in both static and dynamic events. This research aims to provide the team invaluable data for fine-tuning the car. Having the car optimized for the race may be the difference between first and fiftieth.

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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.

Budget

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Half of the budget will be used to rent the wind tunnel which we already have in contact with. We will spend around 10% of the budget for sensors that will be necessary to acquire the data. The team has also calculated the necessary travel budget and materials needed to secure the car in a fixed position for the test. Lastly, we will need around 20% of the budget to complete the engine dynamometer test.

Meet the Team

Penn State Racing
Penn State Racing

Team Bio

The Penn State Formula SAE team is a student organization where most members who are doing the research are undergraduate students. This is an extra-curricular activity for those who are passionate with automotive designs.

Penn State Racing

Automotive enthusiast, relentless engineers, world-class team members

Lab Notes

4 Lab Notes Posted

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Fall Newsletter
December 9, 2013
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This lab note is
for backers only

Names on the car
December 1, 2013
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  • 2

This lab note is
for backers only

Corporate Partner Packet
December 1, 2013
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Additional Information

How does it feel driving the car? : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRfnDF1Nhrohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s05lwxD6GFA





Project Backers

  • 3Backers
  • 6%Funded
  • $370Total Donations
  • $123.33Average Donation
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