THE FORMULA SAE COMPETITION
In 2004, SAE BRASIL (Society of Automotive Engineers) established in the country a modality of university competition that already has great notoriety abroad, the FORMULA SAE. In this event, born in the 70s in the United States, undergraduate and graduate students must build a formula-type vehicle that meets certain specifications regulated by SAE International.
The competition aims to improve the professional training of participants, encourage teamwork, raise funds, plan and analyze costs by simulating the development of a new product. It is an engineering challenge, not limited to the performance of prototypes on the track, but to the entire development, also analyzing the design and production feasibility. The vehicle to be developed undergoes evaluations in static and dynamic tests, including: technical design, execution and assembly, acceleration, track/race and commercial feasibility.
The two best placed in the Brazilian edition are invited to participate in the Annual International Competition.
EVENTS
SAFETY INSPECTION
It determines the possibility or not of the vehicle and the pilots to compete in the dynamic tests. Judges assess whether participants comply with the rules. In this test there is no score.
COST AND MANUFACTURING
Project presentation to the judges, where project innovations, problem solutions, adjustments and validations are discussed.
DESIGN
Project presentation to the judges, where project innovations, problem solutions, adjustments and validations are discussed.
PRESENTATION
Participants must develop a business case, in which it is argued that the vehicle better meets market demands and is economically viable for large-scale production.
ACCELERATION
It is a dynamic test that evaluates the acceleration of each prototype in a straight line. Vehicles must cover a 75m lane starting from scratch. The shortest time wins.
SKID-PAD
A circuit in the form of a circle or a figure of eight, varying according to the competition, in which the cornering dynamics, grip and skill of the riders when performing corners are tested. Also rewarding the shortest time.
AUTOCROSS
A complete circuit of approximately 1/2 mile, where the vehicles' handling and dynamics are evaluated.
ENDURO
A 22 km race, where cars are pushed to their limits, testing the prototypes' performance, reliability and endurance.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
During the Enduro race, fuel consumption is measured and the car with the lowest consumption receives the highest score.
