Hornet Racing Formula S.A.E. Cooling System (2017)

Formula SAE is a collegiate student vehicle design competition, in which students design, manufacture, develop, present, and compete with their race vehicles. The vehicles compete on a tarmac course, in which teams competitions are split into a multitude of different test criteria. This vehicle competed in Lincoln, NE., from June 20, to June 24, 2017. Out of 77 other competing teams from all reaches of the globe, Sac State finished 16th overall.

The cooling systems for prior Sac State Formula SAE teams have performed rather well. However, often times the cooling system would not receive necessary manufacturing attention, resulting in a hastily assembled system. With that in mind, the cooling system for the 2017 vehicle was intended to be a system that is not only assembled with some design forethought, but also an assembly that emphasized simplicity. For example, the remote electric water pump was mounted in-line with the lower radiator hose, instead of a remote location where it's placement would merely suffice. Another consideration is the mounting location of the radiator, as its respective placement on the chassis is conducted so that there is enough room for the cooling fan (a competition rules restriction), while also simplifying cooling tube routing.

Resources:

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