Articles Curated by Formula SAE Judges
Outboard Motor HV Interlock Circuit
Methods for a detached wheel to disable High Voltage:
De-pin and separate outboard communication connector
Break communication cable
Mechanically pull apart inboard communication cable
A Guide To FSAE Axles
Many of the common issues with FSAE halfshafts stem from these problems:
Extreme misalignment between differential and wheel hub
Tripod housing depth too shallow or too deep on either or both ends
Contaminants in grease
Guide to the 2023 FSAE Cost Module Changes
Significant revamp of Electrical and Drivetrain sections
New approach for custom PCB costing
Most electronic modules are still cost as bought
EV Performance Fundamentals
Engineer a strong battery lifespan
EV Efficiency is as important as mass, downforce, drag, power, and mu.
Create tools for drivers to manage energy
Add regenerative braking later
Fuel Tank and Battery Pack Sizing
Energy consumption * time
(Throttle history, rpm history) * (BSFC -or- cumulative EV efficiency maps)
Add up fuel injector duration
Competitive Intelligence
Doing research, reverse engineering, setting design targets. Additional insight for teams thinking about making the EV transition.
Overall Vehicle Priorities
To manage priorities, ask four questions about every design decision, in this order: 1. Is it legal or illegal? 2. How does the change affect reliability or repeatability? 3. How does the change affect overall vehicle performance over a lap? 4. What are the drivability effects?
Tractive Force Graphs
This is a logic path for understanding the performance of your car in straight line acceleration. Understand the impact of gearing and power and torque curves.
Differential Effects On Vehicle Dynamics
Definitions of limited slip differential types and performance, focusing on yaw moments due to combined cornering and acceleration or braking.
Lithium-Ion Thermal Runaway
State of charge, cooling, and water-based extinguisher information to minimize the chances of battery pack overheating, fire, or explosion.