Several standardized courses for Formula SAE (FSAE) testing are introduced and
described with sufficient detail to be reproduced by any Formula SAE team. Basic
analysis methods for the courses are given as well as explanations of how those
analyses could be used. On-car data from the Global Formula Racing (GFR) SAE
cars is used to verify the analysis methods, give estimates to unknown variables, and
show the relevance of the standard testing courses. Using the courses and methods
described in this paper should allow standardized comparison of FSAE car
performance, as well as provide a method to verify simulations and evaluate changes
in vehicle performance from tuning.
Instrumentation of all suspension member forces with strain gauge load cells is
shown to be an extremely powerful tool for measuring vehicle performance and
quantifying vehicle dynamic characteristics. The design and implementation of strain
gauge load cells is described in detail to provide a template for reproducing similar
results in other vehicles. Data from the GFR 2011 FSAE car is used throughout the
paper to: show the design process for making effective suspension member load
cells, show the calibration processes necessary to ensure quality data is collected,
illustrate the calculation of suspension corner forces, and show the effectiveness of
measuring vehicle dynamic characteristics with this technique. Using the methods
described in this paper should provide data that allows a more complete and
thorough understanding of on-car vehicle dynamics. This data may be used to
validate vehicle models. / Graduation date: 2012
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/28477 |
| Date | 21 March 2012 |
| Creators | Murray, William S. (William Scott) |
| Contributors | Paasch, Robert K. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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