Powertrain

The Powertrain system oversees every component that gets the car rolling. This system is heavily involved in simulations to predict and optimize engine performance, and hands-on manufacturing and assembly skills to build a robust package, while also ensuring that the power is transmitted as reliably and efficiently as possible to the tires. The Powertrain system is comprised of 3 subsystems: Engine, Heat & Fluids, and Drivetrain.

The Engine team extensively simulates and tests on a Honda CBR600RR motor to achieve its maximum performance through a custom designed intake, headers, welded titanium exhaust+muffler, and internal modifications. The engine package is optimized further by tuning on the team’s engine dyno and a separate chassis dyno to ensure that the engine in the car behaves as close as possible to the simulated version. Engine members gain skills in CAD, DFM techniques, welding, engine calibration & maintenance, thermodynamics, engine simulation, and a lot more.

The Heat & Fluids team works to optimize the cooling and lubrication of the engine to ensure that it is kept in its peak operating condition, covering the sizing and routing of radiators and designing+manufacturing a custom oil pan for the engine. They also work with designing custom fuel lines and a custom fuel tank, ensuring that a steady and calculated amount of fuel is supplied to the engine at all times. Heat & Fluids members gain skills in CAD, cooling+fuel hardline routing, fittings, tubing fabrication (flaring & bending), heat transfer, engine oil & internals, and so much more.

The Drivetrain team oversees the transmission of power from the engine to the tires through a custom manufactured sprocket, racing differential, and custom half-shaft tripod housings, which are all manufactured and assembled by the members of the system with the goal of reducing drivetrain losses and improving handling. The Drivetrain team also handles the shifting system on the car, and works extensively to deliver the most reliable package and setup possible. Drivetrain members gain skills in CAD design, topological optimization simulations, vehicle dynamics, CAM+manufacturing, and more.

Overall, on the Powertrain system you will have the opportunity to gain experience with CAD design, model simulations using ANSYS and WAVE, manufacturing techniques on a CNC mill+lathe, welding materials such as steel and titanium, and overall project ownership skills plus improving work ethic. If any of these interests you, this is the system to apply for!