The team has displayed the Formula-SAE vehicle at several events already this year including the Clipsal 500, the Victor Harbour Energy Fair and The University of Adelaide Open Day. The vehicle, as always, attracted a lot of positive attention at these events.

The University of Adelaide Open Day 2009

At Open Day there was great interest in the project among many aspiring engineers, which was a very promising sign in regards to the future of the project.

The project and vehicle were also featured in a motorsport article in SA Life Magazine around the time of the Clipsal 500, a promotional video for the Department of Trade & Economic Development and an episode of Scope. The episode of Scope, which is a science show aimed at primary school students, is yet to air. I will post the air date once informed.

Kind Regards

Lauren Ricks

This year we are proud to announce that the project is expanding to include two Electrical and Electronic Engineering students who will form the Electrics team. Similar to the Mechanical Engineering students, their involvement is part of their honours project. They will be responsible for the dyno loom, the vehicle wiring and electrical components, data management and will also look into the feasibility of a lithium ion battery.

The aim of the 2009 Formula-SAE team is to increase both the reliability and performance of the vehicle while decreasing the overall weight. Last year the 2008 team successfully changed to an Aprilia RXV550 engine, which we will continue to use in our vehicle. This year we have a team member who is the Design Engineer for the Engine, therefore significant time will be spent further tuning the engine to sort out some reliability issues and improve the performance. Other major changes in the Drivetrain area include a Carbon Fibre Intake and the use of a Drexler Clutch Pack Differential designed specifically for FSAE vehicles, both of which will produce significant weight savings. The fuel tank and radiator are also being re-designed to produce further weight savings.

At the start of the project a decision was made to continue with a spaceframe chassis rather than designing a monocoque. This decision was largely based on the cost of manufacturing a monocoque which could not be justified, especially with the current economic situation and new costing rules within the competition. We will however be utilising composites for additional components this year such as the intake and impact attenuator, allowing further knowledge on the manufacture of composites to be gained and significant weight savings. Furthermore it was decided to eliminate the rear bulkhead and utilise a full spaceframe. Although this makes the packaging at the rear more difficult, it results in a significant decrease in weight compared to the 2008 chassis.

The suspension team’s main focus is to improve handling and driveability. This will be achieved by refining the suspension geometry, designing new ARB’s and a new steering rack.

The University of Adelaide 2009 Formula-SAE Team would like to thank Santos, GPA Engineering, Glasurit, Bethune Machining & Fabrication, Combined Resource Engineering, G. G. Betros & Associates, FGI, John Sample Automotive, ASE and Motor Traders for their continued support of the project in 2009.

We would also like to welcome & thank Adamant Solutions, The Department of Trade & Economic Development, Centreline Patterns, ASC, Consult 4 You, Tafe SA, BAE Systems, One Steel Whyalla, CST Composites, Codan, PT Design, Engineers Australia, M&W Ignitions, Realport Traders and Abbott Printer & Stationers for sponsoring the project in 2009.

This project could not exist without the support of the above companies.