Since the last update, the chassis has been completed, with only small mounts left to be added. The finished chassis came together just after Christmas, then suspension and engine mounts were added. The complete frame weighed in at 30kg, with mounts, an decrease of 8kg over last year. The process of welding the chassis continued, with a number of different jigs being used:
With the frame complete, the suspension mounts had to be added. These were set at angles specified by the suspension team and welded to the frame.
And then engine mounts.
The next stage for us is to paint the chassis once the final mounting points are on, and then assemble the car
Featured Image
Welcome to Team Sussex web site.
Body Work Update 05/10
Written by Administrator
Sunday, 16 May 2010 16:33
The body of the new car has been completely redesigned using CFD and windtunnel analysis. The finished design is below:
Again the body will be constructed from carbon fibre. The moulds have been manufactured, and the materials are in, ready for the bodywork to be made once exams are over.
Alex Hodson undertook the task of designing/building the bodywork this year as his 3rd year project. A lot of effort went into creating an aerodynamic shape, whilst also making a good looking car.
The process began with some simple concepts and 2d designs on the computer. These were analysed in Fluent (a CFD program) with a final concept being made into a 3d computer model.
More extensive analysis was then carried out, helping to shape the bodywork to provide the best shape to reduce drag and divert airflow to the radiators to keep the engine cool. Wind tunnel testing was also done on a scale model created on our 3d printer.
From all the analysis, a design was finalised, and moulds created. Here's a video of the cutting process:
Last Updated ( Sunday, 16 May 2010 16:51 )
Join The 2009/10 Nose Cone Club
Written by Administrator
Tuesday, 09 June 2009 23:57
The Nosecone Club - Sign Up.
There are now two ways to become a member.
Either sign up via Paypal, using the button below and then sending your picture by email to the address shown after payment.
OR
Download and complete the form (making the donation value out as £10), and not omitting to enclose a cheque if you do not wish to pay by card. Also do not forget to attach a copy of your photograph that you would like to appear on the car. Then send everything to the following address:
The Nosecone Club c/o Celia Alexander Student Relations Office Bramber House University of Sussex Brighton BN1 9QU United Kingdom
Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 April 2010 19:46 )
Powertrain Jan '10 Update
Written by Daniele De Anna
Tuesday, 02 February 2010 21:46
After the delays last year, caused by problems with the engine test bed set up and other problems, the powertrain team wanted to get underway as soon as possible.
The first task was to choose an engine for our formula student car. We had the options between an engine coming from the Yamaha R6 or a Honda CBR 600. We chose the Yamaha R6, mainly because the team last year used this, so we had experience to call upon if needed. They were also kind enough to leave a spare engine, so we would only have to buy one more. This also meant it was a far simpler task to connect everything on the test bed, with mounting plates etc, already being in position.
The Yamaha R6 engine is currently on the dynamometer, with fuel lines and electrics connected. Once the cooling system is linked up, we should be able to turn it over and start some initial testing.
Whilst this is underway, we are manufacturing the other engine parts, such as inlets and a plenum chamber. These are completely redesigned with the experience gained from last year’s team, and should help to increase performance even more.
Once these components are fitted, the real testing and mapping can begin, ready for a successful weekend at Silverstone in July.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 February 2010 21:52 )
The FS Competition
Written by Administrator
Monday, 03 August 2009 09:51
Well the competition came and has now gone. The team were stricken with a host of problems but everyone worked hard through the late hours to get the car ready each day. Two driveshafts and a few gaskets later at 3pm on the Sunday, having missed the dynamic events on the Saturday, the team finally passed the brake test which had caused so many problems over the last two days.
We then waited around for 4pm when we could start queueing for the Endurance event. Being 2nd from last in the queue meant we had a wait on our hands and finally got on track at 5.35pm, just before the 6pm curfue. Pierpaolo and Alejandro got their chance to show what our car was made of and did a really good job of it, the car was fast and impressive to watch and the crowds and commentators were loving it. Unfortunately the curfue came and as we had a few laps still to complete, we were disqualified, but the car had raced and as a team we should be very proud of what we achieved.
It's now time to hand the team over to the next group, who are starting their sponsorship campaign now and beginning initial designs, looking to improve on this year's car. So the final post from me is a thank you to all the team, friends, family, supporters and sponsors. It has been a really good year, lots of hard work and stress but seeing the car out on track after a punishing weekend of problems made it all worth while. Keep checking on the team who will be back next year to show what we're really capable of.
