Formula SAE is an international collegiate competition, in which students from universities around the globe work in teams to design, build, and compete a formula-style racecar. This type of competition requires students to use classroom knowledge for a real life project. By the end of the project, students will be able to gain skills, knowledge, and abilities in which no engineering, automotive, or business course could replace. The Rainbow Warrior Racing Team at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa was developed from the mechanical engineering undergraduate senior design course. We have created a program that will allow underclassmen students to shadow upperclassmen in order to continue this project in their senior design course. We have also opened the team to anyone who attends the university in hopes to expand our knowledge and perspectives contributing to our project. As a result, our team has become more diverse with over 30 students coming from different disciplines, ethnic groups, and ages.
Mission statement
We are the Rainbow Warrior Racing (RWR) Team representing the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. The 2018 Formula SAE competition will be the fith consecutive year for RWR. RWR is still in the fledgling stages of developing a lasting Formula program but we are building upon the foundation developed by the 2014 team. The primary goal for the 2018 car is to complete all dynamic events in the competition. Focusing on engineering analysis and data driven design will increase our chances of completing all the competition events. Formula SAE spans an entire academic year, but the lessons and experiences we learn extend into our careers and everyday lives.
Project Summary
The formula SAE project in its essence is a time management project and has always been an aspect that previous teams struggle with. The schedule is broken down into three phases: Design, Manufacturing, Testing. The Design phase will consist of research, concept, modeling, and simulation. Manufacturing will include everything to building and assembly of the vehicle. Testing will be on a full system approach to the verify our calculations and fixing any problems that arise. The Design phase is from August to October which after Manufacturing will begin. We aim to start testing a vehicle by the start of February and continue up till middle of May. This year we have made an aggressive schedule to help produce a vehicle that we will be able to test before going to competition.
Chassis & Aerodynamics
A stable aerodynamic concept must be designed with multiple driving situations in mind: straight ahead, cornering, and hard braking. The aim is to design and manufacture a frame and accompanying aerodynamics components that minimize weight seamlessly integrating both suspension and powertrain components. The full package will provide significant driver protection and optimize performance on the track, all withing FSAE guideline. The chassis will be fabricated in steel and the aerodynamic package will be fabricated using carbon fiber sandwich composite. Weight loss at the chassis frame coupled with component accessibility by simplifies component integrations and amplifies the design elegance and vehicle performance. This makes for a great step forward in the modularity of the car.
Suspension
The main objective of the suspension subsystem is to connect the chassis of the vehicle to the ground through the use of components such as springs, dampers, rods, bell cranks, bearings, tires, and wheels. The system is designed to ensure safety and performance in high speed cornering, braking, and effective power transmission from the engine to the wheels. Further, the suspension will be adjustable so that it may be tuned to driver preference and specific event goals. The key objectives for RWR this year are to decrease aerodynamic drag and secondly improve packaging. These will be accomplished by relocating the shock absorbers inboard producing a lower profile damping system. Key improvements to the the prior year, include implementing anti-roll capability, camber adjustability, anti-squat and anti-dive systems. Suspension handling of 1.5 G’s while cornering is desired at 30 mph on the track. Rapid prototyping techniques will also be used to create mock-up components and assemblies for further subsystem integration.
Powertrain
The purpose of powertrain is to optimize the power delivery originating from the engine to the wheels. This year, powertrain team aims to produce a durable and reliable system that ensures all of its components hold up for all dynamic events. Standing on the back of proven components, the powertrain system will encompass a modular design that allow for a streamline innovation process. A naturally aspirated single cylinder 450cc engine, mechanically operated shifter with hydraulic clutch, and a dry sump oil system will pave the way futher integrations and testing iterations. A bonafide system will likely ensure compliance in technical inspection and gauged performance in dynamic events at competition. It will also create the stepping stone needed for a legacy of success. This aligns well with the goals of RWR in producing the platform for greater innovation.
Contact Info
Contact RWR for questions by contacting:
Keanu Kim- Project Manager
Phone: 808 551 2959 Email: keanukim@hawaii.edu
We are also on a social media platform at:
Support the Team
Sponsor are team by contacting:
Isaiah Amasol- RWR Fiscal Manager
Phone: 808 203 7596 Email: iamasol@hawaii.edu
OR
Donate to our GoFundMe account:
GoFundRWR
