Formula SAE teams to participate in workshop at UM-Dearborn

On Saturday, Oct. 22 Formula SAE teams from across the state will descend on the University of Michigan-Dearborn for a workshop at the Institute for Advanced Vehicle Systems (IAVS).

The event, hosted by the SAE Detroit section, will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is designed to provide teams with the information they need to be successful. Formula SAE teams are encouraged to bring their cars to the workshop, which will include members of the rules and judging committees as well as corporate partners.

Features of the workshop include information on 2011 rules changes and a technical inspection, tips on making a successful business case and information on vehicle and frame and suspension design considerations. The workshop will give newer team members an understanding of what being on a Formula SAE team is all about and what they can expect to learn from the experience.

Formula SAE® is a student design competition organized by SAE International (formerly Society of Automotive Engineers). UM-Dearborn’s Formula SAE team holds three consecutive top 10 placements in the annual racecar design competition, which draws more than 120 vehicle entries each year.

The concept behind Formula SAE is that a fictional manufacturing company has contracted a design team to develop a small Formula-style race car, which will be evaluated for its market potential. Each student team designs, builds and tests a prototype based on a series of rules whose purpose is both to ensure onsite event operations and promote clever problem solving. Formula SAE promotes careers and excellence in engineering as it encompasses all aspects of the automotive industry including research, design, manufacturing, testing, developing, marketing, management and finances. Formula SAE takes students out of the classroom and allows them to apply textbook theories to real work experiences.