Skills: Technical Presentation/Design Review, Technical Communication, CAD, Documentation, FEA, Hand Calcs
Over the course of the design process, we do several design reviews with upperclassmen and other engineers on the team. This helps us catch oversights and improve the overall design by utilizing peer input. Below I've added some of the material I presented in my DRs and during my learning about the system.
One of the first things we look at are the Design Requirements of the system.
I generated these design requirements based on the FSAE 21 rules, as well as a basic understanding of what brakes need to do in order to function.
In a later DR, I went back and presented these methods of ensuring that these critical design requirements were met.
I also show my handcalcs and analysis to the team, in a condensed format, to demonstrate that I have done the appropriate analysis in order to be sure the system will function as intended.
In order to be sure that nothing is wrong with the CAD of the system, I make sure to check how it integrates with the surrounding parts in the wheel package. This also gives me a chance to make sure that I have enough clearance with the parts designed by my teammates.
Overall, working on the brake system was a really good project for me during my first year with FSAE. I learned so much about engineering and design, and I truly feel that my experiences on the team are preparing me for my career in industry. It gives me a chance to apply everything I learn in my classes and informally in a really interesting way.