The project done in 2014 by Barugh and Norton, along with earlier projects established viability targets in order for CFRP wheels to be fit for competition, (mass reduction targets etc.), but did not do several things that we think would benefit from being investigated further.
• The wheel prototype that they produced did not save enough mass to be viable for competition. However, it was very stiff and a wheel would still be viable for competition with a lower stiffness, thus lowering mass.
• They concluded that further laminate optimisation needed to occur in order to determine optimal load path and conforming geometry etc.
• They only produced a prototype for front wheel geometry, not rear.
Undergraduate
• To design and manufacture front and rear prototype CFRP wheel shells that will increase the team’s points at competition.
o These prototypes should be physically tested for validation. This involves the development of testing conditions, procedure and equipment.
• To determine allowable deflections of a 10-inch formula SAE wheel and apply that through controlled tests, to the wheel prototype.
• Develop accurate CAE model(s) of the wheel shell for use in laminate optimisation and FEA, determine accurate load cases and constraints.
• To optimise the laminate schedule – (thickness and fibre orientation) for the wheel shells in order to reduce unsprung mass.
Joshua Hares and Louis Day , FSAE team members
CACM - Strength of Materials Lab (Newmarket 902 Lvl 3, Lab)