Formula Student, which is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, challenges students to use their creativity and technical skills to design, build and race small-scale formula-style racing cars and to compete in static and dynamic events that test their preparation and hard work.
This year Formula Student returned to Silverstone UK on the 17-21 July, where UNIMORE, Italy’s University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, were crowned winners, beating over 100 undergraduate teams from more 20 countries.
UNIMORE entered two cars: the ML-19, a superbly designed petrol engine car, and the M181-H, a hugely innovative hybrid car, which secured the best powertrain installation award.
The ML-19 is equipped with a Suzuki model GSX-R 600 motorcycle engine, with a maximum power of 95 hp, can reach a speed of 120 km / h, with acceleration from 0-100 km / h in less than 3 seconds. Each component was developed following an important research and experimentation activity, using the most modern software of the automotive sector. The auxiliary systems, entirely redesigned by the students, include a suction system in composite material, a dry-sump lubrication system and a titanium alloy exhaust system. One of the most prominent elements is the monocoque made of composite material, while the gearbox is electro-pneumatic with paddles on the steering wheel.
The project of the M181-H hybrid car was supported by several local companies, starting with Ducati, which, in addition to technical support, supplied a “959 Superquadro” twin-cylinder engine. To this unit, originally capable of delivering over 140 HP, a cylinder was removed, replaced by a small 30 kW electric motor, connected to the crankshaft. Both the exhaust system and the intake system, as well as the crankshaft, the lubrication system and the cooling systems were completely redesigned. The chain drive of the engine has been replaced by a sophisticated conical torque system.
Since three years ADDITIVA has been a gold sponsor of UNIMORE for the development of the racing cars participating in the Formula Student championship. This year ADDITIVA supported UNIMORE developing innovative solutions, designing and manufacturing more than 20 lightweight and highly complex parts, supporting UNIMORE to solve the complexity of integration between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Fabio Baiocchi, CEO at ADDITIVA: “We wanted to allow our students to take on this challenge, confident that the experience they have gained in the project will be a fundamental part of their future career.”
SILVERSTONE 17-21 July 2019 – FORMULA STUDENT AWARDS won by UNIMORE
Class 1 – Overall Winner
Class 1 – Engineering Design Runner Up
Class 1 – Acceleration Winner
Final 5 Lap Run-Off – Fastest Clean Lap
Mercedes-AMG HPP – Best Powertrain Installation of an Internal Combustion Engine
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport – Endurance Award
