Subsystem Breakdowns

Body

The Body Subsystem encompasses the design, manufacturing, and optimization of the outer shells of our vehicles to achieve maximum efficiency. This involves constructing the vehicle's shell by manufacturing molds and performing layups, which can be done with various composites or other materials like carbon fiber. Using advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software alongside computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, the team iterates the carbon fiber body design to minimize the coefficient of drag, thereby enhancing vehicle efficiency. Key focus areas within this subsystem include the aerodynamic layout, surface geometry, and material composition of the vehicle shell.

Mechanical Systems

The Mechanical Systems Subsystem is responsible for the design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing of all mechanical components of our vehicles. This includes a primary focus on steering, brakes, wheels, chassis, firewall, axles, and mounts for both the powertrain and aerodynamics. Utilizing advanced design and validation tools such as Siemens NX, the team ensures maximum efficiency and structural integrity. The subsystem collaborates closely with all other subsystems to ensure optimized design, mounting, and structural support across all vehicle aspects.

Electrical Systems

The Electrical Systems Subsystem covers the comprehensive design and implementation of all electrical components within our vehicles. This includes designing modular printed circuit boards and architecting the motor control code, which together operate our electric powertrain vehicles. The team is actively developing a new battery and battery management system to maximize efficiency. Additionally, the subsystem applies embedded systems fundamentals and various sensors to collect and transmit vehicle data for performance analytics, diagnostics, and signal processing using tools.

Powertrain

The Powertrain Subsystem is tasked with selecting and optimizing the most efficient motors for both battery electric and internal combustion vehicles. Through simulations and dynamometer testing, the team ensures that each vehicle's motor—whether electric or internal combustion—is controlled effectively and operates at peak efficiency. Specifically, for the internal combustion vehicle, the subsystem focuses on meticulously modifying the engine's characteristics through engine mapping both physically and via software to achieve optimal fuel efficiency while ensuring the necessary power output for race completion.

Systems

The Systems Subsystem integrates various simulation, analysis, and optimization efforts to enhance overall vehicle performance. This includes calculating road load equations, finding the optimal racing line, generating theoretical efficiency plots for both powertrains, and modeling the track. These simulations guide race strategy and inform areas for improvement. The subsystem is also responsible for writing requirements based on First Design Principles, developing validation tests for each subsystem, and employing systems engineering principles to ensure proper integration. Additionally, the Systems Subsystem manages team resources, including sponsorship, public relations, finance, and project management, overseen by the Executive Board, which consists of the Project Manager and Chief Engineer.