Manipal, July 5: The Pro Chancellor of Manipal University Dr H.S.Ballal revealed the sixth Formula car at the Innovation Centre of Manipal Institute of Technology at Manipal on July 4.
Formula Manipal and the students who worked on it look forward to perform better than the previous year’s car, so the present car is a superior version of all previous cars. The title sponsor this season is Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). Formula Manipal conceived by the students of MIT with support from faculty participated in Formula Student competitions in Italy (2008) UK (2009), Austria (2010), Italy (2011) and Germany and Czech Republic (2013).
Technical head Ayush Prakash, and team manager Tanmay Bohra said, “The team hopes to do better this time with improvement in every aspect of the car. The team also aims to improve its performance at both the competitions and has incorporated various changes in the car for the purpose.”
The team has introduced some major developments like, extensive use of CFRP (Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) for weight reduction, introduction of a 4-2-1 exhaust system, anti-roll bar. The team will also be using an electro-pneumatic clutching mechanism for faster gear shifting, and rear wheel hubs integrated stub-axles which have helped in making the rear wheel assembly more compact thus leading to weight reduction.
Formula SAE (FSAE) is a competition organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for students. The challenge for the students is to design and manufacture a formula style race car with specific design and safety considerations as per the guidelines laid down by FSAE.
The competitions are held in 10 different zones around the globe. More than 2,000 engineering students participate from over 23 countries to showcase their technical expertise. At the competition, the cars are tested on several parameters, including acceleration, handling, efficiency and endurance. A report on the car’s Design, Cost effectiveness, as well as a Business Logic Case and a Business Presentation is presented to the judges.
