UMD Formula SAE is a diverse array of highly motivated students led by the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering department at the University Of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Our goal is to design, construct, and test a Formula 1 style racecar in order to compete in the annual worldwide Formula SAE competition. It is our intention to build a racecar that demonstrates each student s diverse talents and commitment. We plan to enter our second competition in May 2011 and establish a continued tradition of UMD semi annual participation and a dedication to excellence in the FSAE (Formerly Society of Automotive Engineers) competition. The competition presents students with the opportunity to enhance their engineering skills and gain valuable experience. The UMD Formula SAE team went to the competition for the first time in May 2009. We were able to complete the Technical Inspection, which is no small task, and compete in every event. We posted times for all race events, except for the endurance event, which we were unable to finish. Overall, we finished 87 th out of 123, which is not bad for a first year team. Our participation in the competition last year has led to many new design ideas and allowed us to identify several areas in which we can improve. We are working on a new car and plan to attend the May 2011 Michigan Competition. The Formula SAE competition is 1 of the 12 competitions organized by SAE International. Started in 1978, Formula SAE was originally called the Mini Indy. "The concept behind Formula SAE is that a fictional manufacturing company has contracted a design team to develop a small Formula style race car. The prototype race car is to be evaluated for its potential as a production item. The target marketing group for the race car is the non professional weekend autocross racer. Each student team designs, builds and tests a prototype based on a series of rules whose purpose is both to ensure onsite event operations and promote clever problem solving." FSAE Website Formula SAE is an excellent environment for students to take what they have learned and apply it in a realworld setting. FSAE is an all encompassing competition, in which is students must research, design, manufacture, test, develop, market and finance their builds. As such it gives students an incredible amount of experience and an excellent window into the automotive industry. There are 3 different competitions located throughout the United States: California, Michigan, and Virginia; Michigan is the oldest and largest running competition. There are also events in Brasil, Italy and Australia.
The Formula SAE Competition is comprised of two different event types to showcase a team s work. The two types of events are classified as static and dynamic events. The static events consist of comprehensive, engineering design, and Cost and Manufacturing presentations. The five events that make up the dynamic section of the competition are the acceleration, skid pad, autocross, fuel economy, and endurance events. For each event, a score is given and these scores determine how well each team does in the overall competition. These events present their own unique challenges in not just engineering, but business presentations, marketing and research. The competition is not only a time for judging and racing, but also a time for networking and collaboration. The FSAE environment is incredibly collaborative which allows for the highest level of competition in all aspects of Formula SAE. Below is a list of all the static and dynamic events in more detail as well as a point s breakdown of each event. Static Events: Technical Inspection: Technical inspection is the very first thing that occurs before any dynamic events. The car is inspected according to a strict checklist to ensure that the car complies with all rules and is safe to drive and operate. Once inspected by the inspectors then the car undergoes a noise, tilt, and brake test. The technical inspection ensures that all cars conform to rules and safety regulations. Presentation: The objective of the presentation event is to evaluate the team s ability to develop and deliver a comprehensive business case that will convince the executives of a corporation (judges) that the team s design best meets the demands of the amateur weekend competition market, including the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo. The manufacturability and marketability are also taken into account. Engineering Design: The goal of the engineering design event is quite simply to evaluate the engineering effort put into the team s car in addition to how well that engineering meets the intent of the market. Teams are expected to present their designs as well as field any questions in a successful manner.
Cost and Manufacturing: This event strives to show how significant the budget and cost are when undertaking an engineering project; teams must consider the tradeoffs between performance and cost of each part. This event also requires knowledge on how to create and maintain a Bill of Materials. The event consists of three parts: Cost Report, Discussion, and a Real Case scenario in which a team must respond to a challenge related to cost of manufacturing a car. The cost report is very extensive, taking into account everything from the cost of the engine down to cost of every weld on the frame. It is one of the most important events in teaching teams the importance of cost minimization as well as many other key ideas; as a result, students acquire invaluable real world experience. Dynamic Events: Acceleration: This event evaluates the car s acceleration in a straight line on flat pavement over a distance of 75m (82 yards). This event is designed to test the engine and drivetrain systems as well as the intake and exhaust systems performance rather than the handling of the car. The better a team can utilize the engine they chose, as well as the intake and exhaust they have designed, the faster the car will accelerate. Skid Pad: The skid pad event is to measure the car s cornering ability on a flat surface while making a constant radius turn. This tests the team s ability to design a suspension system capable of such maneuvers while still being able to maintain control over the vehicle at the highest speed possible. Autocross: The objective of the autocross is to evaluate the cars maneuverability and handling qualities on a tight course without the hindrance of competing cars. This event, unlike the Skid Pad or Acceleration events, is designed to test all aspects of the cars performance, in addition to the driver s ability. Acceleration is needed to get up to speed on the straight sections, and coming out of corners while a good suspension and braking system will allow the car to take turns and higher speeds allowing for less momentum loss. This event displays the cars full abilities.
Endurance: This event is designed to evaluate not only the overall performance of the car, as in the Autocross, but the durability and reliability of a team s car. The course is approximately 13.66 miles long; and as a result, tests the ability of the team to overcome the wear and tear that occurs from running the car. Fuel Economy: Fuel economy score is based on the average liters per kilometer fuel economy obtained during the endurance run. This tests the ability for the team to utilize the fuel consumed by the engine and minimize loss in output. Point Breakdown for each event: Static Events: Technical Inspection (No points but must be passed to compete) Presentation 75 Engineering Design 150 Cost and Manufacturing 100 Dynamic Events Acceleration 75 Skid Pad 50 Autocross 150 Fuel Economy 100 Endurance 300 Total Points 1,000 Tilt Test 2009
The UMD Formula SAE team has again set out to design a new car from the ground up. We have learned a great deal from the competition as well as the design and construction of our last car. From experience with the various events, talking with other teams, and seeing their cars it is clear that we must reduce the weight and complexity of our design. We also have a much better idea of what the judges are looking for in the static events. 2011 Build Goals: Weight: <500lbs Top Speed: 80mph Competition: Top 50 Finish Simplify Our Design 2011 Build General Budget: System/Component Cost Base System 9,699.00 Engine & Drivetrain 9,612.25 Frame & Body 6,532.50 Suspension & Shocks 4,140.00 Brake System 2,403.35 Steering System 787.00 Wheels & Tires 3,288.14 Instruments & Wiring 613.75 Miscellaneous, Fit & Finish 903.88 Travel 6,285.00 Total 44,264.87 The Formula SAE program is financed through private and corporate sponsors. Your donation provides students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in the context of a real world application.
Sponsors will gain exposure both locally and nationally through the UMD FSAE website, banners and at both UMD FSAE events and the FSAE competition. UMD FSAE attends the Michigan FSAE Competition in May. Those in attendance include family members, company representatives, and race enthusiasts. Sponsorship of the student teams helps enrich the development of students in preparation for future careers in their fields by allowing them to apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom. As a result FSAE students often become leaders and great assets to future employers. FSAE members are also more prepared for real world engineering problems when compared to students who have not participated in an SAE project. In addition, opportunities offered solely to our sponsors allow them to recruit outstanding, experienced and prepared employees. All donations to the University of Minnesota Duluth Formula SAE team are tax deductible. (Materials will also be considered tax deductible donations and their monetary value will be incorporated towards determining an appropriate sponsorship level out of those listed below.) Levels of Sponsorship: Platinum ($10,000+): Company name, logo, and link to company page will be placed on the UMD Formula SAE website sponsor page Extra Large logo on the racecar Company name and logo on event display boards Company name and logo on t shirts Promotional opportunities with car and team Framed team photo of UMD FSAE Team Monthly Newsletter as well as E Newsletter Access to UMD FSAE Racing team resume database upon request Copy of design report Gold ($5,000 $9,999): Company name, logo, and link to company page will be placed on the UMD Formula SAE website sponsor page Large logo on the racecar Company name and logo on event display boards Company name and logo on t shirts Framed team photo of UMD FSAE Team Monthly Newsletter as well as E Newsletter Access to UMD FSAE Racing team resume database upon request
Silver ($3,000 $4,999): Company name, logo, and link to company page will be placed on the UMD Formula SAE website sponsor page. Company name and logo on event display boards Company text name on t shirts Medium Large logo on the racecar Framed team photo of UMD FSAE Team Monthly Newsletter as well as E Newsletter Access to UMD FSAE Racing team resume database upon request Bronze ($1,000 $2,999): Company name, logo, and link to company page will be placed on the UMD Formula SAE website sponsor page Company name and logo on event display boards Company text name on t shirts Medium logo on the racecar Monthly Newsletter as well as E Newsletter Access to UMD FSAE Racing team resume database upon request SAE Partners ($250 $999): Company name, logo, and link to company page will be placed on the UMD Formula SAE website sponsor page Company name and logo on event display boards Monthly E Newsletter Small logo on racecar Access to UMD FSAE Racing team resume database upon request SAE Friends (Up to $249): Company name, logo, and link to company page will be placed on the UMD Formula SAE website sponsor page. Monthly E Newsletter Access to UMD FSAE Racing team resume database upon request
We would like to Thank You for your interest and taking the time to read through our proposal. The following page contains the pledge form. Please feel free to contact our team with any questions: Dana Johnson FSAE Team Captain (763) 232 8506 joh0228@d.umn.edu Daniel Pope Ph.D. Faculty Advisor (218) 726 6685 dpope@d.umn.edu