Coordination of Transport Activities

Aided by Intelligent Systems

Student: Adrian Ionita

Coordinator: Ion Preda

Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania

i_adi14@yahoo.com; pion@unitbv.ro

Abstract. Currently, I am combining the study of a technical master and the

work as a traffic engineer/transport manager in a well-established transport en-
terprise, focused on activities in national and international road transport for
general goods, but also well-trained in transportation of ready-made garment on
hangers. This activity offer me a number of leadership opportunities taking my
career to the next transport level.
Working in such a vast domain, help me to gain experience as well as encoun-
tering difficulties and problems such as: scheduling, maintenance, repair, and
replacement of equipment problems, policies, procedures and legislation for
transportation operations.

Keywords: ITS-Intelligent Transport Systems

1 Intelligent Transport Systems

Combining new education methods [1] with the aid of intelligent transport systems
[2] I can focus my-self on the Fleet management, which is the management of a com-
pany's fleet. The fleet management in the firm I operate includes the management of
trucks, based on activities in national and international road transport.
Fleet (vehicle) Management can include a range of functions, such as vehicle fi-
nancing, vehicle maintenance, vehicle telematics (tracking [3] and diagnostics), driver
management, fuel management, health and safety management and dynamic vehicle
scheduling.
With the help of intelligent transport systems we rely on minimizing the risks asso-
ciated with vehicle investment, improving efficiency, productivity and reducing their
overall transportation costs, providing 100% compliance with government legislation.
Using an intelligent transport monitoring system we are able to:

• Automatically establish Vehicle Location

• Computer Aided Dispatch
• Plan routes in ahead
• On-Board Monitoring

International Congress of Automotive and Transport Engineering, CONAT 2016

Transilvania University of Brasov, 2016
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364 A. Ionita and I. Preda

• Dynamic Routing
• Dynamic Scheduling

and to offer security to our employees with:

• In-Vehicle Surveillance
• Remote Vehicle Surveillance
• Asset Tracking
Our main goals to achieve are presented in figure 1:

Fig. 1. Main goals of transport activity

One of the main steps in accomplishing our goals was to modernizing the fleet by
purchasing new EURO 6 trucks, Fig. 2.
This way we are able to reduce the transport costs that include highway taxes and
above all the vehicle consumption to improve our fleet carbon footprint.

Fig. 2. Component trucks of the EURO 6 fleet: DAF XF XF 440 and VOLVO FH

Also with the help of intelligent systems on board the user has a completely new
safe and relaxing experience on the road.

2 Safety Systems

The Euro 6 vehicles have implemented intelligent safety systems such as: Vehicle
Stability Control (VSC), which helps to prevent jack-knifing and overturn-
ing, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane
Departure Warning (LDWS). These advanced safety and comfort systems are avail-
 Coordination of Transport Activities 365

able alongside DAF’s Advanced Emergency Braking (AEBS), which helps to prevent
collisions or to limit their consequences.
All of these intelligent systems can be found on both of the vehicles presented.

Fig. 3. Safety systems of the component trucks of the fleet

For a good coordination of the transport it is necessary to establish the transporta-

tion activities between the following operations:
366 A. Ionita and I. Preda

• Loading the cargo in the vehicle, insuring transport safety including the place of
unloading and unloading services.
• Assuring correct and concrete directions for the points of loading and unloading.

Before beginning the transport all of the details known at that moment will be dis-
cussed between the transport manager and driver as well as checking the vehicle sta-
tus which includes:

• Checking all the documents

• Checking the full functionality of the light system
• Checking and ensuring the brake system safety
• Check the tires if their tread depth is correct and the existence of any foreign ob-
jects or tire local wear (German Highway Code states that the minimum depth is 2
mm)

• Ensuring the two tire blocking pads

• Adjusting the corresponding height for the aerodynamic spoiler for overcoming the
air resistance
 Coordination of Transport Activities 367

With the help of intelligent monitoring systems (Fig. 4) we continuously monitor

and force our staff to respect the driving time and rest period according to the Regula-
tion (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March
2006.

Fig. 4. User interface of the intelligent monitoring systems software used in the company

The user interface from Fig. 4. identifies the driving times, breaks and rest periods
for drivers engaged in the carriage of goods or passengers by road.
368 A. Ionita and I. Preda

This regulation shall apply to the carriage by road of goods where the maximum
permissible weight of the vehicle, including any trailer, or semi-trailer, exceeds 3.5
tones.

- -
Fig. 5. The fleet of the vehicles having more than 3.5 tones are using digital tachograph, mak-
ing easier the control of transport activities

The vehicles are equipped with digital tachograph [4,5], equipment that makes the
necessary recordings that are crucial to any compliance checking carried out by con-
trol officers, Fig 5. These recordings (having as support either a tachograph record
sheet or a digital data file) give to the drivers an obligation to comply with require-
ments.
The regulation that states the ’driving’ times is symbolized with a circle and a red
color rectangle with the actual period as well as the ’rest’ times symbolized with a bed
sign and a purple color with a smaller in height rectangle or ’other work’ with a yel-
low color and a Hammer symbol, meaning all activities which are defined as working
time except ’driving’.
It is important to correctly identify the nature of a vehicle journey as well as other
factors before a decision can be made on which legal instrument shall apply [6,7].
Aided by intelligent monitoring systems we are able to correctly identify the regula-
tion and breach when infringements are discovered, in order to satisfy legal require-
ments and have a legal and fair competition regarding the international transport busi-
ness.

3 Conclusions

In conclusion, with the aid of modern intelligent systems, I will try to ensure better
planning routes and load scheduling, less maintenance and fleet repairs, reduce the
fuel economy, ensure safety to the employees, as well as continuously increasing their
knowledge and confronting climate change issues by implementing transport strate-
gies and monitoring the fleet carbon footprint.

References
1. Covaciu, D., Cofaru, C. Florea, D. Dima, D.S.: COMPLETE: A New E-Learning Platform
for Energy/Transport/Environment Domains, Transilvania University of Brasov (2006)
 Coordination of Transport Activities 369

2. Florea, D., Cofaru, C., Gomes, L., Costa, A., Sierens, R., Ciolan, G., Enache, V., Preda, I.,
Lunca, G., Sandu, V., Sararu, S.F., Dima, D.S., Dogariu, M., Tarulescu, S. Advanced
Road Transport Systems, Transilvania University of Brasov (2007)
3. Preda,I., Covaciu,D., Ciolan,G., Dima,D.S. Vehicle Dynamic Behaviour Analysis Based
on GPS Data. “SMAT2008” International Conference, Craiova (2008)
4. https://www.daf.com/en/services/daf-driver-academy
5. http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/road/social_provisions/tachograph/index_en.htm
6. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0561
7. http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/road/social_provisions/doc/trace_explanatory_text_en.
pdf
 BrizAR - a Didactical and Ecological Prototype

Students: Marius Răducan, Ionel Şerban

Coordinators: Laurentiu Claudiu Manea, Adriana Teodora Manea

University „Ovidius” of Constanţa, Romania

profmanea@yahoo.com

Abstract. The basic principle of cycling is now assisted in our experimental

model by anmecathronical system which permit the optimization of the human
effort including in the complex formula of moving on roads or waters, near joy,
fun, sport, health and human muscular effort, the help of light and wind. We
expect that the project will be considered, in a creative way of speaking, as our
Constanta “Ovidius” University’s team contribution to the global polluting
combat.

Keywords: bike mechatronics, applied mechatronics,didactical bike prototypes

1 Introduction

BrizAR project proposal’s goals are represented by some innovative ways to increase
tandem cycling efficiency with minimum loss of mechanical energy and with maxi-
mum recuperative “green load assist” by integrating “sun light energy” and “air wind
energy” in a renewable manner, on roads or on water navigation.
The basic principle of cycling is now assisted in our experimental model by a me-
cathronical system which permit the optimization of the human effort including in the
complex formula of moving on roads or waters, near joy, fun, sport, health and human
muscular effort, the help of light and wind. We expect that the project will be consi-
dered, in a creative way of speaking, as our team contribution to the global polluting
combat.
Mixed propulsion vehicles, have an increasingly important place among the con-
cerns of manufacturers in the field. Because they have two or more propulsion sys-
tems, that use different types of energy. (among these electric one and the power and
human muscle’s strength /that they use it alternately or simultaneously), these ve-
hicles have no dangerous emissions. The switching between the two propulsion sys-
tems, as well as their constant use can be done in multiple ways.
Ensuring energy management systems we allow the prototype to combine propul-
sion operations in a multiple wide range. Generally the initiation of the tandem cycle
vehicle BrizAR is provided by means of the pedals & chain mechanism, while the
over predetermined propulsion speed is provided by an electric motor.

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372 M. Raducan et al.

Fig. 1. BrizAR projecton the final road test Fig. 2. In front of the “Ovidius” University

The temporary electric motor propulsion assist (when the other systems function-
ing is not suitable or desired) take effective in place by using two smaller capacity
batteries LI Ion (that incorporate the most evolved technology in the field and have
enlarged capacity and reduced time charging capabilities).
It can be a great interest idea (especially on our Black Sea Coast) to use a vehicle
which is capable of moving, both on land and water surfaces, and that require to
change a fairly short time adaptation during transformation, concept that can be fitted
with floats in advance, possibly with a sail and a mast, moving from to one another
environment through an special inclined plane gate.

2 The Story

The concept of our actually existing bike had undergone changes over its history due
to both the technologies and materials. Lately electric bicycle concept has gained
quite large spreading through the development of batteries with enhanced capacity
and increasingly low weight and also by using electric wheel motors with simple con-
struction and very well adapted to sail cycling destination. Electronic engine control
units were miniaturized and control terminals have been optimized for a comfortable
and efficient use.
 BrizAR - A Didactical and Ecological Prototype 373

2.1 The Propulsion System with an Electric Motor

The electric assist propulsion systems proposed in this project is based on a brushless
DC motor type (BLDC motor), a speed transducer and a mechanical torque modula-
tor. They can provide power and mechanical torch by independently action on the
pedal&chain systems on rear wheels (adapting human muscular effort to the overcom-
ing rolling resistance of the road).

2.2 The Propulsion System with Pedals &Chain

A crank type mechanism equipped with the pedals and chain is dispose near each of
the two seats of the cockpit, the left seat occupant having, obviously, the principal
role in vehicle driving. Each pedals& chain assemblies are supported by roller bear-
ings. Inwardly, they are connected through ratchets mechanism, which allows indi-
vidual pedalling effort and a choosing desire traction for each of the two occupants of
the vehicle. The reversible electric motor, was placed in the presented project, on the
driving connecting shaft between the two ratchet type mechanisms.

Fig. 3. BrizAR project: Design in CATIA

The mechanical rotational movement is transmitted from pedals through the rotor
to the electric motor. The rotor of the electric motor is mounted on one side of the
bevel wheel which provides the power transmission, together with the first shaft gear,
mounted on a 90 degrees resilient flanges angle. The stator of the electric motor, on
its turn, is mounted in such a manner that it can be rotated approximately 30 degrees
374 M. Raducan et al.

over the rotation axis and it is locked in a technical chosen position. Transmission
shaft flange set the joint through an elastic connection with the main transmission. In
our practical set project the material constraints revealed the opportunity of using a
front wheels hub electric motors system modulation and assistance when additional
load resistance is increased. Front wheels drive optimise the traction flow, when the
wind entered in the stage as a mode of propulsion thanks to the optional equipments
represented by the mast and the sail pointed in the front of the vehicle.

2.3 Sail Propulsion System

Rigid sail propulsion system used is removable. Another option that can be pointed in
consideration is the folding mast and sail (hinged as the mast), the sail becoming a
hard-top vehicle cockpit. Folding system can be operated manually without consider
an extra-weight of a unnecessary structure. The orientation of sail can be achieved by
means of the mast, the two elements being interlocked. Mast rotation control will be
achieved from the cockpit (generally from the right place) with a driving lever.

Fig. 4. BrizAR project: AutoCAD project in virtual environment: on road and on water

Another possible use of this vehicle could be as an amphibious sailing vehicle.

Using two floats constructed from a three parts folding modules on each part of the
two-seats four wheels bike we change the land vehicle into a water sail catamaran.
 BrizAR - A Didactical and Ecological Prototype 375

These floats require a rotating arm system that each ensures a necesary departing
distance mounting from the chassis.

Moving floats can be put in a sail position in three stages:

• Step 1:the floats are outwards folded;

• Step 2:the extension of the floats;
• Step 3:forward moving of the floats in a position that permit to block it near each
wheel steering knuckles;
In this case the propulsion is assured by operating the electric motor or pedal shaft
joined to a propeller. By switching in the sail position the shaft will drive the propel-
ler and the late the catamaran ship on the water surface.
For the government & driving, one can use a rudder controlled by the steering
wheel to sail on the desired course

Fig. 5. BrizAR project – From the idea to the reality test road

We used in our team work intensively:

• Programs and other soft computing environments licensed and accredited in «Ovi-
dius» University of Constanta
• Rectangle metal profiles 40x20x1,5 >- 18 m (fig.5)
• Surf and sail mast type: 1 pc
• 20 inches wheels electric motors: 2 pcs 250W / 36V
• Complete wheels (rims tire room) crank : 26 inches
• 10A 36V Lithium Ion Battery: 2 pcs
• Rear and forward LED reflective lights: 4 pcs/ 6V
• Fiberglas or aluminum floats 0.4 mc: 2 pieces
• Tram 2 piece fiberglass chairs
• Small rack steering mechanism> 1pc.
• Pedals &chain mechanism with 5-speed shifted gears each: 2 pcs
• Brakes: 1 piece of a complex 4x4.mechanism
376 M. Raducan et al.

Steps proposed after the finishing of the project vehicle:

1. The design of the proposed solution in a virtual environment *AutoCAD and
CATIA;
2. Experimental model construction (to validate the main functions of the ecologi-
cal vehicle BrizAR on roads or on waters;
3. Participation in some creative contests and competitions of vehicles driven by
electric / or wind / or sun, that assist, in an ecological manner, the human muscle
strength;
4. Analysis of the possibilities of recovering energy during temporary braking or
from suspension movement in order to maximize pedal assists system;
5. Analysis of the possibilities of using a plastic photo-voltaic sail on mast to op-
timize pedal assist;
6 Obtain from an economic Market research the reaction of the possible future
buyers of the vehicle.
7 Study on the potential demand of the market for this type of product
8 Possible Price Determination which a buyer would accept to pay for the new Bri-
zAR concept;.
9 Establishing the optimum technologies that will ensure quality production of the
product at minimal cost claimed.
10 Calculation of total cost of production and market launch series production of
the BrizAR concept versus estimated and potential value on the market

Fig. 6. BrizAR prize at international InoPoCBike Contest Ina Schaeffler 2015 – The team
 BrizAR - A Didactical and Ecological Prototype 377

Acknowledgments: We thank to our professors for their trust and support and for
their tireless endeavor that us, today, Also to SC INA Schaeffler-InoPocBike Contest
2015 Management who gave us the opportunity to participate and to gain an impor-
tant prize:Innovative Propulsion Bike!

3 Conclusion

We left a viable, palpable message to next generation ... Something someone can see,
feel and can be an incentive and an example for those who come to seek the secrets of
automotive engineering world in Constanţa:
The goal of our participation to CONAT 2016 was to identify possible enterprises
that can be interested in developing a wind /sun/ electric assist human muscle propul-
sion vehicle.
The production of a prototype and of the 0 series in order to test product characte-
ristics;.
Some “Make people consider our proposal!” Make “green ecological cycling” on
road or water surfaces, in “favorable backside” Wind, in “bright Sun Light” and with
“smart electric photovoltaic pedal assistance”!We are looking forward to our ideas
and applications! So let us participate in CONAT 2016 Congress Brasov to prove our
creativity and engineering spirit! If not now, when? Surreally NOW!
If not us, who should do this? Signed: Our BrizAR Automotive Engineering Team
from “Ovidius” University of Constanta!
 BobysmARt - a Didactical Prototype

Students: Ainur Aedin, Ozgun Aptichelean, Petrică Burlacu, Florin Condurache, Mar-
cel Grigore, Ismail Dincer, Robert Hampu, Răzvan Gace, Nuran Molagean, Gabriel
Nedelcu, Vasile Savatin, Ionel Şerban, Constantin Ungureanu, Iulian Tudoran, and
Marian Vîlvoi

Coordinators: Laurentiu Claudiu Manea, Adriana Teodora Manea

University „Ovidius” of Constanta, Romania

profmanea@yahoo.com

Abstract. In 2015 during the third year, after our technical themed student’s
trip from Constanta to the University of Brasov and to major automotive parts
companies in Braşov, as a retort particular concern for study and research we
found in the center of academic tradition of the Romanian automotive industry,
we decided to put our ingenuity to the test and create in a small space made
available in Constanta University, a teaching module for automotive mecha-
tronics study which can be used in the education process of the following gen-
erations. It was a time when, together with our professors commemorate the
image of a great Honoris Causa Doctor, Prof.univ.dr.ing.Bobescu Gheorghe,
who could not have contact with our generation whereas he was elected to end
his life before we hand over his long-awaited final course of the year. And so
was decided to appear on site The Boby Smart!

Keywords: Smart, applied automotive mechatronics,didactical car prototypes

1 Introduction

First, everything started like in engineering mode with a set of measurements. The
only version of a car that can truly penetrate the corridors of our university to mecha-
tronics laboratory proved to be Smart for Two… with its latest state of art technology
and high condensed mechatronics... During the following practice period of the III th
year of our student’s curricula, with the help of our professors, we have started pre-
paring ... the real model, first, with a scale model ... Then, we extrapolated the results
of engineering measurements and calculations of vertical equilibrium, applying fun-
damental and specialized knowledge, already received in previous years, with model-
ing in virtual environment ...

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380 A. Aedin et al.

2 The Story

When we got to conclusion that everything will be as we wished, we focused our

entire attention on the details ... we reconstructed and refurbished the body of the real
car and added a transparent top to be visible each component of the interior. Then we
removed all engine and transmission’s equipment and Power train Mechatronics and
we checked ...
Then we carefully cut didactic parts to be visible but without losing functionality.
Vertical exposure was an interesting challenge like the base plate that also functions
as a counterweight when lifting vertical real model on site. We do not hide that these
things were not simple and often had to rethink succession and may revised a stage
again.

Fig. 1. BobysmARt - In the Lab

Fig. 2. “Up”- for the first time

 BobysmARt - A Didactical Prototype 381

Fig. 3. Down the stairs - in the University Fig. 4. Final Rotation in front of the Lab

Fig. 5. Rising up in the Lab as the scale model

First time we raised vertically the real Smart in the garage of one of our colleagues
that we felt like we built the great pyramids ... We all, in a unison controlled "hey
break" team have succeeded; again measurements, comebacks, corrections ... .Then
came the stage in which all the pieces taken to be dismantled, cleaned, cut back was
reassembled"based on" and have found their place overall. It was still a small victory
when we saw all parts mounted and nothing remaining in the pocket since we left
anything extra increasingly dismantled. The next step was placing the project on ovi-
dian academic field...The road to the front door it was easy. with a platform adapted
... then, all our measurements proved correct ...
382 A. Aedin et al.

Fig. 6. The powertrain

a. Eight command relay: electrical wire diagram and the circuit

b. the Infra Red system - wire diagram and the finished operated device
Fig. 7. TheIR remote control system
 BobysmARt - A Didactical Prototype 383

The university received its prototype "to let it through the main gates", "pursued" how
"descended the stairs" as it rotated to millimeter to the laboratory and then when we al
climbed it in the laboratory (fig.3, fig.4, fig.5). As a shy and curious scholar the Smart
listened and fulfilled every stage of "Operation Plan" thought carefully and discussed
jointly by all of us.
To make operations safer and more efficient, each team member brought along his
experience and tools. We remember that we met in that special day, engineers already
graduated from automotive school of Constanta that came to help us. The way they
acted as a team mobilized all of us to complete this step. Once we picked it up verti-
cally (although for that we had to dismantle part of the frontal area) major things have
gone for mechanics and charged the electricians part of the team: power bar, protected
Source units, measurement units, checking the operation of mechatronic components,
were only steps in prototype development staff. A powerful AVL Dix computer was
put into operation and connected to the electronic heart of the vehicle (fig.8).
The diagnostic computer recognized the little Smart and we saw signs abound on
CAN Bus that offered us the image of the whole brain mechatronic functions (fig.8).
To be really efficient we added a remote control that can access 7 different mea-
surement commands or functions. After a serious investment of time and labor, but
with immense satisfaction we saw it operating (fig.7).
Meantime, the mechanical team had a lot to do:their mission was to rotate the en-
gine in order to main functional components of the power flow can be tracked. After
several attempts with the own engine starter andexternal battery, a gearbox variant has
proved to be the most viable (again...adapted pulleys, brackets clamp measurements
and engineering calculations...).
Another part of the put into operation of the whole, inside the laboratory,was a
similar Smart heat spark ignitedfunctional engine to demonstrate the normal opera-
tion… and by using the AVL Dix computer diagnostic device, which are the exhaust
gas’s components. Passing exhaust gas duct under the floor and through the walls out
the room was another issue that had to be solved, as well as the auxiliary intake gas
analysis duct designed in such a manner that obtain zero leaks of fluid in the laborato-
ry. Another theme of the electrician’s team was how to extract information on operat-
ing parameters and displaying it on a computer screen, and then wireless, on a projec-
tor screen; a real cut engine model, electrically operated,completedthe site of our
model of laboratory teaching mechatronic design of the car... The models of vehicle
occupants were adapted from two plastic 1:1 scale mannequins to their seats, and
inflated Air-Bag protection devices provided a real image of the car passive inside
frame protection.
We preserve to our work the name of Smart because we are convinced that it de-
serves it - by complexity, functionality and design and also extended it to ourteam
name, because studying and modifyingits normal road functions to didactical ones, we
became more creative and intelligent.
We called it Boby Smart because we participated in our "Ovidius" University of
Constanta, along with our and professors all across the country to the commemora-
tion, one year after his disappearance of the great professor Bobescu Gheorghe, and
384 A. Aedin et al.

we understood how much this great person of Automotive and Engine’s Romanian
world meant for engineers, who once upon a time, were, like us, students.

2014: students with prof. Bobescu in the Lab 2016: part of the BobysmARt team

Fig. 8. During the 2016 educational process in the Laboratory of Mechatronics

Acknowledgments. We thank to our professors for their trust and support and for
their tireless endeavor that us, today, we have achieved our dream on which we
 BobysmARt - A Didactical Prototype 385

worked together in all these four past years! To be Automotive Engineers! To be at

CONAT 2016!

3 Conclusions

We left a viable, palpable message to next generation ... Something someone can
see, feel and can be an incentive and an example for those who come to seek the se-
crets of Automotive’s engineering world in Constanţa:. "Do not leave even if difficul-
ties or lack of material coming to the fore. Together we can build something …and
don’t forget: the real Change comes from inside us " this is the meaning of that we
have learned by working on this project together, like a team. The team of students
from AR 2016 who have not left outdone and came naturally to attend the prestigious
Automotive International Forum CONAT - With The BobySmart!!!
 Design and Construction of a Race Car

Students: Ion Gavriloae, Robert Barabas, Sebastian Aftanasă

Coordinator: Ion Preda

Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania

ion.gavriloae@gmail.com, barabas_robix@yahoo.com,
sebastian.aftanasa@gmail.com

Abstract. In 2013, during the third year, Robert Barabas came with an idea to
build a race car from scratch. Of course, his statement was based on the fact that
he already had the car and the engine. We took his idea seriously and we started
the project very confident. The first start of the project was to make the draw-
ings for every part of the subassemblies that each of us has to develop and to
make the calculations for the parts that we developed in the workshop. We en-
countered many problems, but with the help from our coordinator and based on
our studies, the brainstorming sessions were successful every time. We are
proud that we solved every problem that arose, it doesn't matter the time
amount for the implementation. The result of our work is an awesome race car,
a red beauty that will make you hold your breath for a while.

Keywords: race car, design, manufacture, Hemi, Audi, BMW.

1 Introduction

The primary goal of this document is to describe the main steps of our bachelor
thesis and it consists in designing and constructing a race car based on preliminary
calculations. The entire car was built in a small workshop with limited possibilities.
The craftsmanship of this exceptional project is based on the car body of an Audi
80 Coupé, the heart of this car being a 6.1L, V8, 425bhp HEMI engine (a true legend
in the world of the race cars) which was enhanced with separate electrical equipment.

2 The Idea

The first idea of this project was to fit a powerful engine (that we already had) in a
small aerodynamic and cheap chassis. The only opportunity that we discovered was
the Audi 80 Coupé. In the ’90 s, this car was the input for developing a sport version,
Audi S2.

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388 I. Gavriloae et al.

2.1 What we Started with

+
Fig. 1. The starting elements of the project: a HEMI engine and an Audi 80 Coupé

A hemispherical combustion chamber is a type of combustion chamber with a

domed cylinder head. The hemispherical shape provides some advantages in
an internal combustion engine. An engine featuring this type of chamber is known as
a hemi engine.

2.2 Developing the Idea

The first step in our construction process was to unmount the parts of the exterior
until the chassis was like at the beginning on the production line in the factory. We
continued cleaning-up the body, necessary before hardening every welding. The isola-
tion from the floor and the side panels of the car was a problem for every centimeter
of the car body, but we used special tools to get rid of it.

Fig. 2. Disassembling the car

The next step was cutting up the central tunnel because we had the challenge to fit
the big gearbox and the engine in a small area. After we decided about the position,
we manufactured a new tunnel made of steel sheet and this was the first custom part
that we created on our own.
 Design and Construction of a Race Car 389

Fig. 3. The clean interior

Fig. 4. Measuring the distances between the driveline tunnel edges

Fig. 5. To protect the tunnel from rust we used primer

After this, we moved driver’s position rearwards and built a full multi-point roll
cage based on FIA technical standards. Also we had to cut the roof to have accurate
welding for the whole roll cage.
390 I. Gavriloae et al.

Fig. 6. The first elements of the roll cage

Fig. 7. The safety of the driver was a priority for us

Fig. 8. Re-designed MacPherson suspension

After the first changings of the car body, we developed the systems that put the ve-
hicle in function. The first subassembly was the front suspension. The front axle and
 Design and Construction of a Race Car 391

the front MacPherson suspension were designed from the scratch based on prelimi-
nary calculations.
Lower arms of the suspension were made from steel tubes and assembled in a
mold.

Fig. 9. The arms of the suspension and the front axle

The steering box was adapted from a BMW E36. To obtain a more responsive
steering, we used a speed multiplier of 1.5:1 between the steering wheel and the
steering box. And with this device, the driver's experience is more challenging.
All the practical activities were doubled by engineering projects and calculations,
as is exemplified in Figures 8 and 10.

Fig. 10. Calculated take-off performaces: velocity as function of acceleration time and distance

The rear axle was adjusted from an Audi 200 Quattro, while the differential and
driveshaft coming from a BMW E36. The cardan shaft is custom made.
To ensure an efficient braking and to enhance the handling of the car, the front
brakes, adopted from a Skoda KitCar and having an 8 pistons calliper, are backed up
by 4 pistons Brembo caliper. In order to adjust the breaking force, the pilot has the
possibility to adjust the liquid-pressure’s ratio of the front and back brakes. The race
car has a hydraulic handbrake.
392 I. Gavriloae et al.

Fig. 11. Mounting the rear axle

a) b)
Fig. 12. The car’s calipers: a) 8 pistons Skoda caliper; b) 4 pistons Brembo caliper

Fig. 13. The levers used by the driver to control the brake proportioning, the gear box and the
hand brake
 Design and Construction of a Race Car 393

The board is made from tin aluminum and for a sharp design it was covered with a
foil that imitates carbon fiber.
In order to win the competition against weight, the front/back wings and the
front/back spoilers were designed from glass fibers, after a tuned looking design. The
thresholds are made from aluminum.

Fig. 14. The rear of the car, with the electric fans for forced engine cooling

The cooling system was created to distribute the weight of the car as efficient as
possible. The car benefits from an extra electric water pump, which is assisted by two
strong ventilators that absorb the air through the ventilation tubing in the roof. In
addition to this, the thermal regime of the engine was enhanced with a motor oil
cooling system.

Fig. 15. Construction stages of the car body

And the results of all work is...

394 I. Gavriloae et al.

Fig. 16. The designed and constructed race car, on the track

3 Conclusions

Combining the knowledge obtained at the class with determination and hard work,
a beautiful race car was realized, giving us a lot of satisfaction and driving fun.

References
1. Preda, I., Covaciu, D., and Ciolan, G.: Design approach for the vehicle's steering linkage
fitted on rigid axle. 3rd International Congress Science and Management of Automotive
and Transportation Engineering SMAT, University of Craiova, Romania (2014)