We are finally back with a new project year and a new issue of our newsletter!
The project year started with an open garage where students at the university could stop by, ask questions, take a look at the car and apply to be a part of this year’s team. Early on we had a lecture with Pia Eriksson on chemical safety to be able to handle the chemicals in our workshop in a safe manner. We had a visit from high school students through the “F1 in Schools” program. The students got to see our car and ask questions about designing and building a racecar as well as how to get sponsors and run a racing team. Camatec visited and held a design review. The team was able to ask questions and ask for feedback from the company. We thank you Camatec for taking the time to visit!
Let’s take a look at what the groups have been up to!
Aerodynamics
The Aerodynamics group has started this year’s project by reflecting on last year’s project and the important lessons we have learned at FSUK this summer. During the first weeks of the project, the group has worked a lot with overall research on aerodynamics of a Formula Student car and done research on new manufacturing methods to ensure a liable and structural aerodynamic package while keeping the parts at a low weight. The group has then started to do more in detail research regarding the different parts of the aerodynamic package to further investigate how these parts should be applied to the car.
The focus of the aerodynamic package on CRR24 will be to reduce overall drag around the other parts of the car, making the car more streamlined and at the same time produce some downforce to gain more grip, aerodynamic grip. Together with the existing mechanical grip, it will make the car able to take corners at a higher speed. At the moment the aerodynamics group are currently developing concepts in CAD and are preparing to do CFD-analysis of the aerodynamic package.
Chassis
The Chassis group have been working on researching and designing a space frame chassis, leaving our previous hybrid chassis behind. The space frame chassis brings with it a range of benefits, including enhanced design flexibility and packaging of all the car’s components. The shift to a space frame design has allowed us to optimize the distribution of forces throughout the chassis, which will result in better stability and control. For this new space frame chassis we have been optimizing the dimensions of the steel tube chassis members which will allow us weight reduction and enhanced torsional stiffness without compromising the structural integrity. Torsional stiffness is a critical factor in race car chassis design and has been researched thoroughly during these first months of the project. A jig for physical testing of the chassis torsional stiffness has been designed to be able to verify computer generated data.
During these initial months of the project, physical testing of the impact attenuator has been conducted, with the reason to reduce weight compared to previous year’s designs while ensuring the safety of our drivers in case of a crash. A big step for this year’s project is the new drivetrain which will require a new battery pack and we have been working on coming up with a new design for the battery box, to lower the center of gravity and enable a more effective packaging of batteries and components. Designing of the bodywork has also been worked on continuously as the space frame takes shape to ensure a fantastic overall look of the car.
Suspension & Maneuvering
The Suspension and Maneuvering group started the project by determining which parts of the previous car could be kept with a few modifications and which parts had to be redesigned or reworked. Quickly, three main tasks were identified;
To find a gearbox suitable for our “in-wheel” application, strong enough to withstand the driving conditions and the forces applied while compact enough to be integrated into the upright from where it drives the wheels. After a few weeks of searching and some compromising, a gearbox that we will be able to use was found.
To design an upright which can contain both a larger gearbox than before while still fitting inside the wheels and giving us enough space to fit the a-arm connections and brake calipers. Designing an upright which allows us to do this has proven to be a real challenge, but we have gotten to the point where we are sure that we will get it to work. A final upright design is around the corner and the final work on the new rear wheel assemblies can soon begin.
To rework the a-arm geometry to accommodate upcoming changes to the chassis while ensuring that we maintain desirable driving characteristics. Designing new a-arm geometries was done well on time allowing the Chassis group to accommodate the inner pickup-points well into their design. Additionally, this gave both the Chassis and Suspension group time to further improve their designs, to get the best out of their solutions.
Work on the steering and dampening system has now begun and expectations are high that all designs are ready for our upcoming design stop deadline.
Electronics & Drivetrain
The Electronics and Drivetrain group have been working hard during these first two months of the project. During the first week we had an introduction for our new members in the electronics group and we tried to make some made up circuits with different behaviors on breadboards and also did some soldering so that the new members knew what could be done during the project year.
Circuits of the different systems have been researched and started to implement these, both in Multisim to simulate. Thanks to Altium providing us with licenses to their workspace, we’ve started to create PCB designs that we later can order and test. Work on all electrical containers and their interior components have been started with close cooperation with Chassis and their members. A new powertrain has been ordered from AMK-motion and we wait eagerly for its arrival. We’ve done research for a new battery-pack, and it will be ordered shortly.
600 Volts here we come!
Marketing & Finance
Over the past few weeks, we’ve delved into many new and intriguing experiences. Learning budgeting has presented an interesting challenge, and we’ve been looking for sponsors, where it successfully drafted our very first contract. We’ve also placed our initial order for materials. It has truly been an enjoyable start to the project, and we look forward to continuing to work together!
The preparations for our “IN-Dagen” fair at Karlstad University started as early as last spring, and we are thrilled to announce that more than 40 companies have already signed up for the event. “IN-dagen” is set to take place on Thursday, November 9th, and the work has been progressing remarkably well throughout both September and October. This year, we’ve made a concerted effort to include the various university associations in our marketing. We have also been better at spreading information to all students by collaborating with the program coordinators. In addition, we’ve dedicated more attention to crafting visually appealing marketing materials, both in posts and Instagram stories. What’s more, we’ve produced promotional videos this year, featuring several associations, and we’re exceedingly pleased with the results. The team has put in an outstanding effort, and we firmly believe and hope that this fair will be nothing less than perfect!
Other than working on marketing material for IN-Dagen, we’ve ordered team apparel that will arrive any day now! When they arrive we will be able to have a team photoshoot and finally present this year’s team on our social media and website. Further we’ve started working on graphic material and social media content for the future, along with planning for upcoming fairs that we will be attending.
We will be attending Motorsportsalongen at Nöjesfabriken on the 25th of november. So don’t hesitate to come by and say hi if you are in the area!
