Formula Student Racing Engines: Formula One Serving as a Model?

Authors

Prof.Dipl.-Ing.Dr.techn. F. Indra, Honorary Professor, Vienna University of Technology

Year

2010

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 716

Summary

Founded in 1981 by the SAE USA, Formula Student has since then grown to a fascinating global racing series. In 1998, this series was taken over by SAE England and these cars have been competing in Europe since 2006. On the basis of very logical regulations, these monoposto racing cars are designed, developed and built by students of various universities and colleges of technology around the globe, and are tested and evaluated in special competitions. In contrast to the regular Formula One, regulations are not as stringent. Hence, students have to consider carefully whether they want to design one-, two-, three- or four-cylinders engines with turbo- or supercharging or natural aspiration. The choice of engines has a decisive influence on the design concept of the car, and especially on its weight which is not limited. Lightweight design and the right materials are the key to a successful car, and force students also to deal with this topical issue. In the final evaluation, not only driving performance and fuel economy but also other criteria are taken into consideration...

Order Members Login