Gator Motorsports
Being a hard-working mechanical engineering student, I always aim to make the most of my time at the University of Florida. Freshman year, I joined UF's Society of Automotive Engineers Chapter, which builds a new Formula SAE competition car each year, improving where possible in designs and manufacturing. During my involvement, I had the privilege to work on a number of components of our vehicle. Below are some of the components I had the opportunity to assist with designing, manufacturing and repairing:
Air Intake Restrictor
Since new fuel (E85) was tested with our turbocharged powertrain design, rules required a smaller intake air restriction to compensate for the increased energy density of E85 fuel. I was chosen to design the new geometry for this air restrictor. I began by generating a two dimensional sketch in ANSYS CAD. A flow simulation was run through this sketch to determine air mass flow. Diffuser angle and inlet angle were adjusted until mass flow was calculated to be 98% of the isentropic theoretical maximum mass flow possible through a 19 mm circular restriction.
Oil Pan Geometry
Our previous oil pan geometry left oil pickup points uncovered during left turns. To correct this, I assisted with a complete redesign of our oil pan geometry. Pickup points were recessed in basins to allow more complete coverage, as well as positioned to match average competition g-forces to allow greater amount of coverage time. I assisted with geometry alterations in CAD models, as well as setting up and running slosh simulations in STAR CCM+. For these simulations, the pan was mated to a CAD model of the engine interior I had previously created.
Engine Disassembly and Assembly
Engine 2: Assisted with disassembly and diagnosis of failure in 2017 competition.
Engine 7: Assisted with disassembly, clutch replacement, gear position sensor shaft drilling/mounting, reassembly.
Engine 8: Assisted with disassembly, diagnosis of rattling sounds, timing chain replacement, reassembly.
Front Airfoil Endplates
Designed isogrid patterns for front airfoil based on downforce and weight measurements. This design will help decrease vehicle weight while maintaining structural rigidity of the front airfoil endplates.
Vehicle Testing
Attended and assisted with vehicle testing. Assisted with track setup for various testing events, helped prepare vehicle for testing, and ensured safety during tests through checking sensor readings on the vehicle and having proper fire extinguishing materials.
Ergonomics Rig Assembly
Assembled and assisted with testing of vehicle ergonomics rig. Built to test accessibility of vehicle cockpit for drivers, using team members to simulate drivers.
Muffler Mount
Designed and manufactured custom muffler mounting rods taking into account existing vehicle geometry. This improved muffler mounting strength, providing a backup support to ensure proper functionality of muffler during testing sessions.
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