The suspension team have been working to refine the vehicle dy-

namics of UCM16 to better suit the 4WD powertrain and its asso-

ciated higher un-sprung mass. Following on from the dynamics,

the team has been designing the mechanical aspects of the sus-

pension with the overall goals of reducing weight and compliance

in the system. This has led to some radical new composite manu-

facturing methods for our components, which we are very excited

to unveil later in the year. Additionally, this year there is a greater

emphasis on tuning the suspension to extract the greatest possi-

ble performance from the car. To help, a new lap timing system is

being developed which will allow us to more accurately quantify

the effect of our setup changes on the cars performance .

SUSPENSION ERGONOMICS

ELECTRICAL

This year, the electrical team were quick to address the reliability

issues that plagued the car during competition last year and to

further develop the control systems in place to optimise the

performance from the AWD electric powertrain. There has also

been an emphasis on integrating electrical components into the

chassis. The team has been learning and meticulously debugging the vehicle control

unit code - which is upward of 1000 lines. Already, there have been a number of issues

discovered and we are constantly seeing improvements in the cars performance. We

are currently working to implement an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to aid in the

development of UCM17’s suspension and improve the current torque vectoring algo-

rithm. Manufacturing of parts for the new accumulator is underway and a number of

PCBs have been sent for manufacture. Furthermore, we have gained sponsorship from

TE Connectivity, enabling us to utilise their Christchurch wiring harness manufac

-turing facility, and their team’s extensive experience.

The Ergonomics team have been investi-

gating ways to improve the driver inter-

face. Many changes this year were de-

rived from previous drivers’ feedback

resulting in an emphasis being placed on

the Ergonomics package. Parts being

developed include; a carbon fibre seat,

moulded to fit all drivers; a carbon fibre

steering wheel with moulded grips; an

adjustable headrest integrated into the

aerodynamics package; and a light-

weight pedal box with better feel in both

pedals to improve the throttle and brake

response. In the upcoming weeks, the

Ergonomics team will be entering the

manufacturing phase of the project with

a particular focus aesthetics and func-

tionality.

MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM PRINCIPAL—Willy Dunlop

TEAM REPORTS

UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY MOTORSPORT MAY NEWSLETTER 2017

What a busy year it has been thus far! With the design period behind us the team is well into the manufacturing

phase of UCM17. Within the next few weeks we will be pulling the new carbon fiber monocoque from its molds

ready to begin assembly. This year, UCM16 has been tested extensively to further optimize its dynamics, correct

its reliability issues, and test new concepts; an asset that has been invaluable to the team. For 2017 our goal is to

evaluate and expand on last years AWD electric concept to produce a 100% reliable racecar, capable of domi-

nating the dynamic events at competition in Australasia at the end of the year. Finally, the electric vehicle (EV)

technology currently being developed by the team has spiked the interest of many, providing more potential out-

reach opportunities and events. This newsletter issue outlines each sub teams progress and goals for this year

whilst drawing on some of the cool outreach events the team has appeared at with our sponsors display.

The powertrain team is working hard to refine

last year’s ground-breaking electric outboard

AWD system. Designs are being finalised and

integrated into the chassis to ensure a well-

conceived placement within the car. The team is

redesigning the cooling system and accumulator

to improve reliability and ensuring the car has

enough energy to complete the endurance

event. By taking advantage of the asset that is

UCM16, we have been able to test cooling sys-

tem configurations and other parts on the car

before the end of the design period. Manufac-

ture is already well underway and on track to be

ready for the cars first drive date.

The aerodynamics team have recently begun their design phase following a period of aerodynamic track testing on UCM16. Term one track testing saw the aerodynamics team investigate alternative rear wing element set-ups, flow behaviour behind the front wheels, and implemented several new validation techniques. Track testing will prove valuable as the 2017 aerodynamics package will be designed around the track testing findings.

The 2017 aerodynamics team are looking to produce and develop an adjustable aerodynamics package, allowing UCM17 to adapt to a range of track types that may be experienced at the 2017 FSAE Australasian competition. The aerodynamics team is looking to improve the efficiency of its package through aerodynamic component weight and drag reduction. The aerodynamics team is also looking to make use of previously unused airflow through the implementation of aerodynamic side pods, a first for the team.

The 2017 aerodynamics package will be designed using ANSYS software with an emphasis placed on 3D modelling

under various competition conditions, such as through a number of different corners. The aerodynamic team is

nearing completion of all 2D modelling.

Previously, for the last two years, UCM has built its car-

bon monocoque in Auckland, as that was the only facility

with an autoclave available to us. This required the chas-

sis, in its entirety, to be designed and manufactured by

the end of April— a very short timeframe to construct an

optimised race car. Additionally, last year, the team was

unaware of the size of the components required to fit into

the chassis as the team had never built an electric race car

before, let alone AWD.

As a result, the chassis team is in a much better position

this year, than last year. This year, we are very fortunate

to have the previous year’s knowledge available to us

(regarding packaging) with the added bonus of being able

to use an autoclave close to home. Thus, the chassis for

UCM17 will be the lightest we have ever built at under

20kg, with a shape that is fully optimised to fit the re-

quired batteries ad control systems. With the deadline

fast approaching, the team is well on the way to deliver-

ing a innovative and successful chassis whilst developing

the skill sets of all team members involved.

AERODYNMAICS

POWERTRAIN CHASSIS

EVENTS

BUNNINGS FAMILY FUN DAY

During the first term of 2017 we were invited to take UCM16 out to a Family Fun Day at Bunnings. This gave the team the opportunity to interact with families, show off our hard work, share our creation with the public and raise UCM’s profile.

A huge thank you to Bunnings for in-viting us along.

UC CLUBS DAY

RUAPUNA

BUNNINGS FUNDRAISING DAY

HIGHLANDS MOTORSPORT PARK

ELECTRIC VEHICLE DAY

EEA CONFERENCE 2017

KIRKWOOD SCHOOL

Every year UC holds a club’s day where new and returning stu-dents are given the opportunity to scope out the clubs on cam-pus. This year were able to use UCM15 and UCM16 to entice some new recruits along. Con-gratulations to the 50 new peo-ple who have joined the team this year.

This year we were lucky enough to be giv-en the opportunity to have UCM16 on dis-play at the Festival of Speed at Highlands Motorsport Park.

Highlands Motorsport Park is located in the scenic area of Central Otago and is New Zealand's premier motorsport venue.

A big thank you to Highlands for the op-portunity to mingle among the elite.

Over the summer the team was able to take UCM16 out to Mike Pero Motorsport park in Ruapuna. A big thank you to everyone who came out to see us dur-ing the SpeedWorks Motorsport Champion-ship at Ruapuna.

During the Easter holidays the team hosted a fundraising day at Bunnings with the car on show. A big thanks to Bun-nings and to everyone who came down, bought a sausage and supported us in the manu-facturing process of UCM17.

Organised by the Christchurch EV Group, UCM were invited to bring along UCM16 to Christchurch's record attempt for the largest gathering of electric Vehicles in one spot. The record was broken with a gathering of over 100 elec-tric vehicles! A brilliant chance to get to chat to some real electric car fanatics.

Recently, the team was invited along to Kirkwood school to talk

to the year 8 group, following their technology module “Our

planet”. It was great to talk to the students about our project

and see their interest in electric technology. We were absolutely

blown away by the knowledge and questions asked by the stu-

dents.

UCM is excited to announce that they will be making the trip to Wel-

lington to put UCM16 on display at the EEA (Electrical Engineers Socie-

ty) 2017 conference. This will be a great opportunity to show the elec-

trical engineering industry what we are up to and a wonderful chance

to meet some major players in the electrical engineering world.

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UCMFSAE/

Or visit our Website: www.ucmotorsport.com

Email: ucmfsae@gmail.com