Bradley University Formula SAE 2012

The Bradley University Formula SAE Team is made up of twelve senior undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students working towards completion of their senior design project requirements.  This is how the program has been traditionally run since the university’s first entry in 1997.  The work is divided among three teams of four students.  The Engine and Drivetrain Team focuses on delivering power to the wheels.  The Suspension and Controls Team designs and fabricates the suspension, steering, and braking systems.  The Frame and Ergonomics Team   works to design and build the frame as well as the cockpit and body panels.  One faculty member serves as an advisor to all three teams and another represents Bradley University as a client.

 

A tight budget is always imposed on the Bradley University FSAE Team.  This year, the university has set the budget at $8,000.  Donations are critical to the success of the team and without sponsors, the car could not be completed.  Time constraints are also a large factor in the design of the vehicle. Each year, the team consists of a new group of seniors.  Between August and May, the team must research automotive design, complete the design of the car, fabricate and purchase components, assemble the car, and test and tune for competition.  These time and budget constraints as well as the small team size are meant to simulate work as an engineer in industry and present a difficult challenge for FSAE team members.