Design and Optimization of a Formula SAE Vehicle

The purpose of this MQP was to design and build a vehicle for use in the 2018 Formula SAE Michigan competition based on a frame built by the 2017 MQP team. The 2016 WPI car served as a benchmark for the 2018 MQP teams work, with the main goals being weight reduction, improved robustness, and improved competition performance. The suspension and drivetrain subsystems were deemed to have the most room for improvement and were given the most focus during the design process. The steering and braking subsystems also required significant modification to fit in the new frame. The 2018 MQP team reduced vehicle weight by 100 pounds versus the 2016 car, while improving driving performance. The report details the design process and recommends refinements to be pursued by future WPI Formula SAE teams