1.

Position of the radiator

The position of the radiator in an FSAE car can have a significant impact
on the overall performance of the vehicle. The radiator's primary function
is to dissipate heat generated by the engine, and its position can affect both
the engine's performance and the car's aerodynamics.

We have positioned the radiator in the front part and inclined to a side to
provide better cooling and airflow to the engine and the contact of the air
with the surface is higher. The other ways there would be more drag.

2.Sidepod shape and versions

To achieve efficient airflow in the sidepods, several factors need to be
taken into consideration, including the shape and size of the sidepods. We
depended on the chassis and the floor´s design. There have been three
versions of the sidepods.

2.1 Initial sidepods

The initial sidepod as you can see isn’t well adapted to the actual floor and
to the chassis. The radiator fit was not optimal. The underfloor fitment was
flat and couldn’t attach it properly to the bottom. Airflow was decent, it
didn’t cause too much drag because of flat surfaces.

2.2 Second sidepods

This sidepod had many complications with adapting to the chassis and the
floor. There was also a problem with the air outlet. It had the optimal
radiator position but the airflow was not as good as the previous model. We
implemented a little inclination. The air outlet was although better than the
previous one.
Sidepod assembly to the chassis and underfloor, as you can see the sidepod
fits perfectly fine with the underfloor line it is mounted in the chassis by
the bodywork piece in the next slide.

The sidepod is located along this part.

3.Materials and costs

The materials and prices of sidepods for FSAE (Formula SAE) cars can
vary depending on several factors such as design, material choice,
manufacturing method, and supplier.

Our team has been choosing between these three options:

-fiberglass: when temperatures fall, the product loses performance value.

Energy hogging.

-carbon fiber: high stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight, high
chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion.
100€/kg

-Epoxy: great resistance to damage, high durability but long during

curability and difficult in installation. This can be used as a resin to
reinforce the carbon fiber layer. 50 to 120 euros.

These materials are lightweight and have high strength-to-weight ratios,

which makes them ideal for racing cars. The prices for carbon fiber and
fiberglass vary depending on the quality and supplier but can range from
$10 to $50 per square foot.

Finally, we have decided to use carbon fiber to make the sidepods. In

comparison with fiberglass, this one has also many advantages like the
carbon fiber but when it comes to temperature resistance, it´s better to
choose carbon fiber. Epoxy is also a very good composite but there are
disadvantages such as long duration when curing and difficult installation.
Between these three, carbon fiber is the most effective one.
There are also costs that can include tooling, labor, and any specialized
equipment needed to create the complex shapes and curves of the sidepods.

Once the surface finish of the mold is ideal, a 2-inch-thick line of blue tape
is place around the flange edge of the mold. This prevents chemical agents
from affecting the surface of the flange and allows for easier vacuum
sealing of the mold.