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Format Formula Student is about building future engineering talent by designing and producing a single-seater racing car, not just in design and manufacture, but in many of the management, marketing and people skills so vital in the modern world, across all sectors of employment. Formula Student attracts entries from universities all over the World, from the UK, mainland Europe and from the Americas, Asia and Australasia. For the universities, Formula Student represents a valuable project that blends academic work and learning with the development of practical engineering skills. For the purpose of the competition, students are to assume that a manufacturing firm has engaged them to produce a prototype car for evaluation. The intended sales market is the non professional weekend autocross or sprint racer. Therefore, the car must have very high performance in terms of its acceleration, braking, and handling qualities. The car must be low in cost, easy to maintain, and reliable. In addition, the car's marketability is enhanced by other factors such as aesthetics, comfort and use of common parts. The challenge to the team is to design and fabricate a prototype car that best meets these objectives. Each design is compared and judged with other competing designs to determine the best overall car. History In the United States SAE Inc started running their Formula SAE programme in 1981. In 1998 two US cars and two UK cars competed in a demonstration UK Event that was held at the MIRA Proving Ground . The initiative was considered to be very worthwhile in providing students with excellent learning opportunities and practical skills. The IMechE accepted the management of the European venture in a partnership with SAE. Formula Student is different from Formula SAE in that it is designed to be a progressive learning exercise throughout a three or four year academic course. However, the same rules are used for both Formula Student and Formula SAE (with some minor changes) and this means student teams can enter their cars in the Formula SAE in the US, Formula Student and Formula SAE in Australia. The Annual Formula Student Event, where teams have their work judged by Industry specialists and demonstrate the performance of the car, is held at the end of each academic year normally in early July. The Formula Student UK event is held at Silverstone Race Track. |
The Events The competition consists of a mixture of static and dynamic events. Each event has a set number of points that can be awarded. Static Events: Design, Cost & Presentation Judging Technical & Safety Scrutineering Tilt Test Brake & Noise Test Dynamic Events: Skid Pad (Figure of 8) Sprint Acceleration Endurance & Fuel Economy  |
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