WHAT IS FORMULA STUDENT ?
When you ask an engineering student 'What have you done throughout the 4 years of your studies?' Most will answer 'Equations'.
This led to a situation where even the best of students found themselves clueless as soon as they entered the competitive job market.
In the beginning of the 1980's the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) came up with a solution.
Groups of Mechanical\Automotive Engineering students from all over the world will DESIGN, BUILD and RACE a formula style (open wheel) vehicle.
In over 35 years of existence the competition grew and currently there over 600 ranked teams all over the world, and competitions held in every continent: 9 Competitions in Europe, 4 in North America, Japan, China, India, Brazil and even down under in Australia.
The competition challenges the teams in building a powerful, stable, reliable, safe and cost effective open wheel 'Formula' style racecar!
The students have to justify and explain their design to judges from all over the Automotive and Aerospace industry.
A thorough point system sets a winner at every competition:
Static events:
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Design (150 points) - Teams have to justify their design decisions to judges.
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Cost (100 points) - A cost report must be generated to show the cost effectiveness of the vehicle.
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Presentation (75 points) - The teams must present a business plan and persuade potential investors in investing in a fictional start-up car manufacturing company.
Safety testing necessary for admission to dynamic events:
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Technical & Safety Scrutineering
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Tilt Test
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Brake & Noise Test
Dynamic Events:
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75 m Acceleration (100 points)
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Skid Pad (75 points)
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Autocross (125 points)
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22 km Endurance & Fuel Economy (275 + 100 points)
In total: 1000 points