Formula SAE is an engineering design competition for university students, with iterations all around the world. Teams design, engineer, fabricate, fund and project manage their owns entries, providing a challenge across multiple disciplines. Australia’s version for 2014 was held at Melbourne’s Calder Park in December, with 22 entries from Australia and all around the world.
Formula SAE Challenge
The design premise involves the challenge of producing a formula style racing car prototype for theoretical mass production. Design considerations include engine, suspension, aerodynamics, weight and safety.
If you’re interested, the Formula SAE Rule Book can be downloaded by clicking here… Formula SAE Rule Book
2014 Event
Monash University has had a virtual lock on the event since 2009 and took out top honours again in 2014.
Individual Event Winners
Static Events
Presentation: Monash University
Cost: Tokyo Denki University
Design: Monash University
Dynamic Events
Acceleration: Edith Cowan University
Autocross: Monash University
Skidpad: Monash University
Endurance: Monash University
The Future
The bulk of those involved in Formula SAE projects are studying engineering disciplines. Formerly, many of these would be looking to transfer into the automotive design sphere upon graduation. Although Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry is not much longer for this world, the skills, professionalism, competition and networking involved for participants from this event will ensure that it is around for many years to come.
