Manipal unveils its 6th competition formula car on July 4

Manipal unveils its 6th competition formula car on July 4

Mangalore Today News Network

Manipal, July 5, 2014:  The sixth Formula car, to compete at Germany and Czech Republic late July and August, was unveiled at the Innovation Centre of Manipal Institute of Technology by Pro Chancellor of Manipal University Dr H.S.Ballal at Manipal on July 4.

The car is a superior version of all previous cars since  Formula Manipal, in 2007 and the students who worked on it hope to do better than the previous years. 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).

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 different cars competing at the event are evaluated on quality of design and performance. 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. The competition gives the students the opportunity of applying classroom knowledge to practical purpose.  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. This year the team will comprise 27 undergraduates from different disciplines," said Dr Aunachalam U Chandavar, faculty adviser, who will be accompanying the team.

The team hopes to do better this time with improvement in every aspect of the car. Both technical head Ayush Prakash, a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student and team manager Tanmay Bohra, a third year EEE student said: The team aims to improve its performance at both the competitions and has incorporated various changes in the car for the purpose.

The major highlights include 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. Hopes from the Manipal team are high.