Parttime – Powertrain
As a Powertrain Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and manufacturing of the drivetrain components that convert electrical energy into me-chanical energy at the wheels. The Powertrain De-partment is responsible for the entirety of these components.
Ideal profile:
Knowledge
Basic knowledge production processes of gears and milling (and their tolerances), electrical machines, bearings, gears and shafts
Soft skills
Teamwork, communicative, eye for detail
Software
Siemens NX
What are the tasks:
The drivetrain is one of the most complex aspect of the car and extends from the electrical engine to the wheel. Each year the design of those parts are a major challenge and to tackle it, students are needed who are willing to delve into this complexity.
You are mainly engaged in designing, optimizing and building the braking system of our car. Doing calculations and simulations on the mechanical loads and temperature of brake disc and caliper, designing the hydraulic circuit and helping during the assembly of the system are the most important things in this vacancy. A great interest and understanding in the subjects “Production Technology” and “Finite Element Analysis” is a great asset to this position.
Maximal performance is accompanied with large heat generation. To cope with this, a good cooling network is needed in order to get the maximum power out of the car during competition, in a safe manner.
You can help mainly engaged with the selection of radiators and fans and the development of the battery case. This has to cool the battery as well as possible and comply with safety regulations imposed by the competition.
A good knowledge and understanding of the courses “Thermomechanical machines” and “Heat transport” is a great asset for this position.
Some previous tasks:
Ergonomics is key for a driver to get the maximum performance out of our electrical race car.
In this case we’ll take a look at our padalbox. For now, our self-made pedalbox is rigidly connected to our chassis, however, the system should be made movable to increase driver compatibility. Furthermore, the design should be revisited to get an understanding of the system and to look for weight-saving opportunities before production.
A key feature in the energy flow from battery to wheels is the connection of the High Voltage and signal cables to the motors. In previous years this was accomplished through two 3D-printed parts which were glued to the motor casing. Because of the glued connection, the cables are hard to access and maintenance or replacements are next to impossible. To solve this issue, we want to redesign this connection in an easily (de-)mountable way. This case focuses on the mechanical design of the component, with extra attention to the ability to withstand dust and water.
Performance and reliability are the main focus for a racecar. In this case we’ll take a look at our braking system. Right now we use purchased AP-racing brake callipers.
To increase performance we want to upgrade them to self-made titanium brakes. This could increase braking pressure as well as decrease weight which results in a better car.
The design phase of the callipers is done but they are not operational yet. Understanding, fixing and testing these brakes is the task of the volunteer.
Returns:
- Hands-on experience in a competitive environment
- Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies
and industry-leading organizations - Possibility to network and cooperate with
(motorsport related) stakeholders - A summer packed with international racing
competitions!
Up for the challenge?
Submit your application to volunteer@formulaelectric.be. Your mail should contain the following:
- The department you would like to work in should be included in the subject
- A motivation letter (max 1 page)
- Your CV