The ORU Engineering and Physics Department is currently looking to put itself on the map with a formula SAE racecar that would be built and raced by students in national SAE competitions. This large project will require ORU community involvement. If you are interested in supporting this project please contact Dr. John Matsson at 918.495.6935 or jmatsson@oru.edu.
A group of engineering and business students including Ryan Kral, Jonathan Luth and Brian Ostling have joined the Formula SAE competition, in which students design, build, and race formula-type cars.
The Formula SAE design competition is hosted by SAE International, a society dedicated to advancing mobility engineering worldwide. By the 2010 season, the students hope to design, build, and race their first car. The competition offers practical hands-on experience while allowing students to apply classroom theory to real world applications. Although the competition includes a race, it is also a design competition and will test the engineering and marketability of the vehicle.
Even though the team is excited and organized, they will not be able to do it by themselves. The ORU community and others are needed. Encouragement, involvement, participation, and support are all necessary components that others will need to provide. Students of any major, alumni, companies and friends who are interested in participating can contact Dr. Matsson.
By competing at the SAE competitions, ORU will be become known internationally in a whole new arena. This competition will be carried on through the upcoming years and provide a channel for future senior projects. If you would like to see how you can contribute to this project, contact Dr. Matsson at 918.495.6935 or jmatsson@oru.edu.
Information packet on the Formula SAE Project
National Formula SAE Website
Help Wanted for Formula SAE Project
Aerodynamics/Handling Effects
- Design of a wing/spoiler
- Body design
- Optimizing the body for passive cooling of the radiator(s)
- Optimizing down force without sacrificing to much drag
Engine Control Systems
- Picking and programming an ECU to optimize output with the restricter
- Designing a driver display system to show engine stats fuel temps, speed etc...
- Create/design/pick/configure a system to allow dynamic control of engine operating parameters such as richness, spark curves, throttle response, by the driver or race crew
Data Logging/Monitoring
- Create a system to record test data from car (acceleration, speed, temps, rpm, body roll etc)
- Create a system for wireless transmission of the data above in real time for tuning and monitoring purposes
Engine Tuning
- Modeling/designing intake and exhaust systems to optimize engine output with restricters
- Design an exhaust system that maximizes flow while meeting the noise requirements and rules
- Tune/test the engine for maximum performance in the car, this includes spark curves cam timing, injection control, gear ratios
Donation for Formula SAE Project
You can make an online donation using your credit card. Please remember to check "Other Designation" and type "Engineering Department Formula SAE Racecar Fund" in the textbox field. You will find the "Other Designation" at the bottom of the window.
Online donation to ORU Engineering Formula SAE
