11/8/10
Team 16 has submitted their proposal and completed the bulk of the research, Phase I. Upon an accepted proposal, the team will be starting Phase II, the design phase. Some of the items in scope for design will include uprights, bell cranks, spindles, control arms, pushrods, brake disks, and tie rods. Items that can not be purchased will have to be bought or donated, which will include calipers, bearings, rims, tires, and the steering rack assembly. For all parts designed by the team, a full analysis will be done, including hand calculations, and 3-dimensional modeling. Only the detailed, complexed designed items will require Finite Element Anaylsis (FEA).

Phase II should last through early January, but research will continue throughout the entire project. Through previous research and by the use of multiple decision matrices, the team has decided to use a rack and pinion steering system, outboard disk brakes, and unequal length double control-arm suspension system with pushrod actuated shocks and springs.

10/27/10
Team 16 is responsible for designing and fabricating the suspension and controls system to be used on the 2011 FSAE car. The deliverables include a functioning and adjustable suspension system, as well as a braking and steering system. During the course of the next two semesters the team will deliver a complete report containing research, detailed analysis, and qualification of the components and design. The preliminary timeline is as follows: Continue preliminary research through design. Start designing components mid-November and begin fabrication by mid-December. Team 16 is striving for complete suspension, braking, and steering systems by the end of March so we can meet the Formula team’s deadline of April 1. This will leave over a month for testing and tuning the various systems, particularly the suspension.

This year the Team is composed of:
Curtis Brackett (Team Captain)
Dallas Coffey (Team Weight and Monetary Budget)
Kris Crane
Nick Descamps