Momentum - September 2021 - 11

STUDENT GENERATION
using CFD over four years, and looks like a shark.
It's drag coefficient is 0.068. The frame was
designed using FEA and features full independent
suspension. Test runs on previous cars have
yielded rolling resistance. We have a complete
electrical system and computer-based data
acquisition on board that conveys data to the
driver and ground crew. Extensive dyno testing
on our highly modified engine gave us output
torque and fuel consumption (bsfc) vs. RPM. We
chose a transmission ratio that put the engine at
its sweet spot at 15 mph. We developed a
complex mathematical model using Newton's 2nd
Law and numerically integrated it to drive around
the track. Taking one-foot steps, we calculated all
the forces, and knowing the track slope and
assuming a 96% transmission efficiency, we
simulated a run. We iterated a driving strategy
that showed us when to burn and coast. "
The main focus of the Northern Illinois
University team was " to not only continue with
the past success of our vehicle, but undergo the
largest project since the team's founding, " said
Cade Larson, Vice President of NIU Supermileage.
" This season, members of the team took on the
design of a carbon-fiber monocoque body. This
new body design would make our vehicle more
aerodynamic, create a less roll prone center of
gravity, as well as remove about 10 pounds of
weight compared to the current body with an
aluminum frame and carbon-fiber shell. This
project was one of the keys to our great
performance because it ushered in a new era of
our team. Creating a new model of the car,
instead of using the same car the team has used
for its 11-year history, has increased the
understanding of the vehicle's systems, given all
had to be designed. This design came along with
a push for thorough documentation in order to
ensure the future team can operate seamlessly. "
The Brigham Young University-Idaho team has
finished higher overall in SAE Supermileages past,
but their fourth-place at the 2021 competition was
special because " a morale boost was much
needed, " said Alex Mortensen, team captain. " Our
long and tedious efforts in team reorganization
and communication improvements came to
fruition in the beautiful design report we
produced-one that tied for second in that
event. Looking back at the past success in the
validation event, adding in our newfound success
and efficiency in design report production means
that we have a lot to look forward to in our team's
future success. We are optimistic that with this
process of introspection and improvements, we
will come back next year stronger than ever. " n
MOMENTUM
Cedarville University's team at the 2019 competition diagnosing a problem.
Airflow study by NIU Supermileage.
The 2021 BYU-Idaho Supermileage team working on the packaging of new engine and
drivetrain components and new front wheel cover molds. (Not all members present due
to Covid/jobs/internships.)
September 2021 11
BYU-Idaho
NIU Supermileage
Cedarville University
Momentum - September 2021

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