Preliminary Chassis Design Research & Objectives

Context

For the 2018 racing season, the UVic Formula Hybrid team will be designing and fabricating a new chassis. As this is a major project that has a significant influence on the cars performance it must be researched thoroughly to ensure the final design is optimized for the team's objectives.

Outcomes

[x] Read chassis design texts specifically geared towards racing suspensions (2-3 minimum)
[x] Gain a solid understanding of the chassis design process and industry best practices
[x] Develop objectives and goals for the new chassis design

Relevant Texts

1 - How to make your car handle - Fred Puhn https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4eb3g6wMmHrS2hlOXRBTVp5UHM/view?usp=sharing Straightforeward overall intro to vehicle dynamics.

2 - Racecar Vehicle dynamics - Milliken https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4eb3g6wMmHrUTlmQnVzcFlVckU/view?usp=sharing So called "Holy bible" of vehicle dynamics. 4x as long as 'how to make your car handle'.

3 - Racing and Sports Car Chassis Design - Costin and Phipps Paper copy, In the Hybrid shop or with Bennett Smith.

4 - Science of Vehicle Dynamics - Massimo Guiggiani

5 - Any thing Geoff wrote about vehicle dynamics - Geoff Scott mech459 more reports

6 - FSAE internet forums like this one that lists more relevant texts!

7 - Design Reports or Thesis from other teams Worcester University 2009 FSAE Project Report Lawrence Tech 2002 FSAE suspension design

Goals for new chassis design

reduce weight by 20%
retain 90% of current torsional rigidity
lower COM by atleast 25.4 mm
innovatively package critical vehicle components i.e. engine/motor mounting and configuration
Introduce at least 1 innovation to the suspension
Keep principles of suspension the same ( we have a winning design currently )
Keep uprights, shocks, springs, pneumatic antiroll.

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