FST Recruitment 2024/2025
Performance Task
Performance Analysis of a Formula
Student Car
Catarina Gonçalves Sebastião, nº103500
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Index
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3
Performance parameters studies............................................................................................... 4
Aerobalance ...................................................................................................................................... 4
CoG (height and position) ................................................................................................................ 5
Wheelbase ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Coefficient of Drag ........................................................................................................................... 7
Gear ratio .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Lateral/Longitudinal Load Transfer ................................................................................................. 8
Longitudinal friction coefficient μx ................................................................................................. 9
Lateral friction coefficient μy........................................................................................................... 9
Mass.................................................................................................................................................. 9
Torque ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Track ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Efficiency ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Coefficient of Lift (CoL) ................................................................................................................ 12
Power .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Weight Distribution ........................................................................................................................ 13
Acceleration Event Analysis .................................................................................................. 15
Endurance Laptime Analysis ................................................................................................. 16
Bonus part .............................................................................................................................. 17
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 19
2
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Introduction
The primary objective of this report is to evaluate the performance aspects of the Formula
Student car by examining how different vehicle performance factors influence the overall
behavior of the prototype. To achieve this, the report primarily relies on the materials provided
by the team, along with an Excel file containing calculations from the Vehicle Dynamics
department.
3
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Performance parameters studies
Aerobalance
Aerobalance refers to the distribution of aerodynamic forces (primarily, downforce)
between the front wing, the rear wing and the underbody of a car and plays a significant role
in determining whether the car exhibits understeer or oversteer, depending on the distribution
of downforce:
•
•
Understeer: Occurs when the front downforce is insufficient compared to the
rear, causing the front tires to lose grip and resulting in the car pushing wide
in corners, in other words, not turning as much as suggested.
Oversteer: Happens when there is more rear downforce than front, causing
the rear tires to lose grip first, leading the car to rotate/spin or snap in corners.
In low- to moderate-speed turns, the car needs a slight rear tendency to the centre of
aerodynamic pressure, which prevents oversteering. In faster turns, the front wing can lead
the car. However, at higher speeds, the center of aerodynamic pressure is biased towards
neutral or the front.
Therefore, the key objective is to develop a car where the balance between understeer
and oversteer remains stable and appropriate at all speeds. In spite of that, it is crucial to have
a solid Centre of Aerodynamic Pressure (CofP), which ensures that the car responds
predictably, maintains grip in all conditions and it’s adjustable to driver preferences.
Thus, the aerobalance is achieved by incorporating many aerodynamic components to
the car, especially the front and rear wings and the underbody work. These modifications will
create downforce that will generate stronger tensions to the tyres without adding mass,
providing more grip to the tires.
Figure 1: Aerobalance diagram
4
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
CoG (height and position)
The centre of gravity, or centre of mass, is the point at which the vehicle's entire mass is
effectively concentrated. Understanding its position is crucial for all the team members as it
establishes how the weight is distributed between the front and rear wheels. Additionally, the
height of the centre of gravity above the ground impacts the extent of the car's roll in corners
and the amount of weight transferred between the wheels during braking, acceleration, and
cornering.
Thus, it is imperative that the center of gravity is situated as close as possible to the car's
longitudinal centerline, as this ensures an even distribution of load between the wheels on
either side, which is critical for optimal performance and handling characteristics. In most
cases, this balance can be achieved by strategically repositioning smaller components, such
as the battery, to counterbalance any uneven weight distribution and align the center of gravity
appropriately.
The placement of the center of gravity along the vehicle’s front-to-rear axis must be
carefully considered to ensure adequate weight distribution over the driven wheels, thereby
enhancing traction during acceleration. In the case of a rear-wheel-drive car, this requirement
necessitates positioning the center of gravity closer to the rear of the vehicle to maximize
performance. By concentrating more weight over the driven wheels, the vehicle can achieve
improved stability and grip, particularly during acceleration.
In terms of the vertical positioning of the center of gravity, it is essential to minimize its
height above the ground. As previously established, the phenomenon of tire sensitivity results
in a reduction in overall grip due to the transfer of weight during cornering.
Also, from equation [1.1], we can confirm that the height of the center of gravity, hm,
should be minimized as much as possible to reduce the extent of weight transfer during
dynamic maneuvers, such as cornering, acceleration, and braking. By lowering the center of
mass, the vehicle not only experiences less body roll during cornering but also maintains a
more stable and predictable handling profile, as it reduces the risk of adversely impacting the
inclination (camber) of the wheels, thereby ensuring consistent tire contact with the road
surface. For these reasons, achieving the lowest possible center of mass is a critical objective
in vehicle design.
Furthermore, components that endure significant changes in mass during a race must be
positioned as close to the center of gravity as possible. This careful placement minimizes the
impact of shifting mass on the vehicle’s overall balance and ensures that handling
characteristics remain consistent throughout the race, even as the weight of these components
diminishes.
5
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Figure 2: Representation of the centre of gravity in a car
Wheelbase
Determining the optimal wheelbase, which refers to the length of a car between the centrelines of the axles is a complex task that varies depending on the specific requirements of the
driving environment and vehicle performance goals. In general, it is understood that cars with
shorter wheelbases are more agile and maneuverable, making them particularly well-suited
for navigating tight corners and twisty circuits, where quick steering responses are essential
for maintaining speed and control. Despite that, a shorter wheelbase will respond more
abruptly to slope shifts, which can affect driver control during braking or acceleration.On the
other hand, vehicles with longer wheelbases offer greater stability, which is especially
advantageous when driving at high speeds in straights and long fast corners.
For specialized racing categories such as hillclimbs and sprints, where vehicles are
required to navigate narrow, winding roads with sharp hairpin turns, cars with shorter
wheelbases (typically in the range of 2.0 to 2.5 meters) are preferred, as they provide superior
maneuverability in such demanding conditions.
In contrast, modern formula 1 cars have long wheelbases because the increased length
allows for a longer floor, which plays a key role in generating the necessary downforce to
maintain grip at extreme speeds.
Regarding all of this concerns, Formula Student teams prioritize shorter wheelbases in
order to ensure the car has proper mobility around the narrow and twisting circuits.
6
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Figure 3: Wheelbase of a car
Coefficient of Drag
The drag coefficient (often abbreviated as CoD) is a dimensionless parameter used to
quantify the aerodynamic drag experienced by a car. Drag is essentially the resistance created
by air friction acting on the car’s surface, which implies that increased drag forces slow down
the car, especially at high speeds, demanding more engine power to maintain the speed or
accelerate the car. As a result, it is essential to achieve a lower Coefficient of Drag to maximize
straight-line speed and enhance fuel efficiency.
Nevertheless, minimizing drag usually requires making aerodynamic compromises that
can decrease downforce, which is highly beneficial for grip, increasing cornering speed and
preventing the car from either oversteering or understeering.
Regarding all these aspects, it’s crucial to accomplish the right trade-off between a strong
downforce and minimal drag, this balance can be evaluated through the CoD. Vehicles with
a smaller rise in CoD when adding downforce, maintain better straight-line speed, even with
higher downforce settings. To achieve this, formula cars often feature sleek, streamlined
designs that reduce air resistance.
Also, since the CoD is influenced by the car's reference area, it's important to limit
aerodynamic elements that contribute little to downforce but increase drag unnecessarily. By
focusing on optimizing these aspects, both speed and efficiency can be improved, particularly
in vehicles designed for high performance.
Gear ratio
The gearbox plays a critical role in adjusting the transmission ratio between the engine
and the drive wheels, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency under various driving
conditions. Through adjusting the gear ratio, the gearbox controls how torque and speed are
transmitted from the engine to the wheels, per instance: lower gear ratios (e.g., 5:1)deliver
7
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
more torque, making them ideal for acceleration and hills; while higher gear ratios (e.g., 1:1
or less)reduce torque but increase speed, which is beneficial for high-speed driving and racing.
Gear ratios appear crucial in a vehicle’s transmission, as they regulate the distribution
of engine torque to the wheels, thereby influencing acceleration and top speed. Therefore, a
well-calibrated gear ratio configuration is essential for improving fuel efficiency and
enhancing the overall driving experience, since vehicle gear shifts become smoother and more
controlled. This consistency reduces the stress on both the engine and the powertrain, ensuring
better longevity and efficiency.
Additionally, there is no requirement for a clutch since electric cars lack a combustion
engine. Instead of relying on combustion, they generate power through electromagnetic
induction between the rotor and stator, which removes the necessity of keeping the engine
running to prevent stalling.
Moreover, the use of a constant gear ratio simplifies the design and operation of the
gearbox, contributing to greater reliability, reduced mechanical stress, maximizing engine
power, and ensuring the vehicle operates at its highest potential.
Lateral/Longitudinal Load Transfer
Lateral Load Transfer occurs when a car corners due to the centripetal (cornering)
force acting on the tires. Simultaneously, an equal and opposite centrifugal force acts through
the center of mass and because it is not aligned with the center of the wheelbase, the lateral
grip forces on the tires become uneven. As a result, the load increases on the outer wheels and
decreases on the inner wheels, this shift in load affects the vehicle’s traction, stability, and
cornering dynamics. When turning, the weight shifts to the outer wheels, boosting their load
and grip to a point and potentially causing understeer or oversteer. Lateral stability depends
on effectively managing this weight distribution, which can be controlled by adjusting the
suspension, anti-roll bars, and the car's center of gravity (CoG).
Longitudinal load Transfer occurs during acceleration and braking. These forces can
be managed similarly to lateral load transfers, but they act in the direction of the vehicle's
motion. They are just as critical, if not more so, than lateral transfers, because an overloaded
front end of the car can lead to understeer during corner entry. This force adds to the rear axle
load and subtracts from the front axle load, influencing the car’s traction, control, and braking
effectiveness. During acceleration, the weight shifts to the rear wheels, improving traction but
only to a certain extent because of the tires' sensitivity to load changes. During braking, the
load shifts forward, improving the front wheels’ grip but reducing rear wheel traction, which
can result in instability and loss of control. Controlling this load transfer is key to optimizing
traction and reducing braking distance by adjusting suspension stiffness, weight distribution,
and keeping the CoG as low as possible.
8
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Figure 4: Longitudinal and lateral load transfer, respectively
Longitudinal friction coefficient μx
The longitudinal friction coefficient (μx) refers to the friction force parallel to the tire's
rotation. A higher μx allows the engine to transfer more power to the wheels without causing
loss of grip, improving acceleration and braking. It also influences the car's pitch during
acceleration and braking, with higher values allowing for better power transfer to the ground,
leading to faster performance.
Tire hardness is a key factor in μ values. Softer tires offer better surface contact and
grip due to greater deformation but have lower durability, so teams must balance tire choice
based on track length, considering both grip and longevity for optimal performance.
Lateral friction coefficient μy
The lateral friction coefficient (μy) impacts the car's roll and yaw, providing grip
during cornering and stability when changing direction. To optimize both μx and μy, it's
essential to find a balance, as a high μx can reduce cornering ability, while a low μy can delay
acceleration and braking.
Mass
As previously mentioned, the three key aspects of racing (acceleration, braking, and
cornering) all involve either longitudinal or lateral acceleration. According to Newton's
Second Law of Motion, also known as the Fundamental Law of Dynamics, maximizing
9
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
these accelerations requires maximizing force, while minimizing mass. The cause of this
force, in all instances, is the contact area between the tires and the road.
F=ma
Moreover, the concept of tyre sensitivity portrays that the effective coefficient of friction
between the tire and the road decreases as the load on the tire increases, this shows that
minimizing the vehicle’s mass enhances all the three most important aspects of racing
performance. In other words, a lighter vehicle will exhibit superior acceleration, braking, and
cornering capabilities when compared to a heavier one.
Therefore, it’s essential to minimize the mass, as long as, the car is properly rigid, durable
and safe, plus in case the regulations specify a minimum weight, it is preferable to build the
car lighter than required and add load in carefully selected locations. The process of weight
reduction requires a rigorous approach in both the design and manufacturing phases, requiring
an unwavering commitment to precision and meticulous attention to every detail. Thus,
comprehensive stress calculations must be conducted on all critical components to ensure the
optimization of their shape, material composition, and thickness, thereby enhancing overall
structural efficiency. Also, the quantity, size, and placement of bolts must go through
evaluation to minimize excess weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Whenever possible, components should be designed to fulfill multiple functions
simultaneously: for example, a bracket could be engineered to support more than one
component, thereby reducing the need for additional parts. Such an approach not only
contributes to the reduction of weight but also promotes greater efficiency in the overall
vehicle design.
Torque
Torque is the rotational force generated by the engine, which is transmitted through the
drivetrain to the wheels. It is a crucial factor in a vehicle's performance, as the amount of
torque produced directly influences the car's ability to create work and generate power. It is
typically measured in Newton-meters (Nm), which quantifies the force generated by the car
over one meter of driveshaft rotation.
An effective management of torque distribution is essential, particularly to prevent
issues such as wheelspin, considering that if torque is not properly distributed, it can cause a
loss of traction, especially when excessive torque is directed to a single wheel. To address this
problem, modern vehicles use systems like differentials to regulate the torque delivered to
each wheel, by adjusting the speeds of the inner and outer wheels during cornering, to help
maintain better balance and improve handling.
In electric vehicles, particularly in FST cars, each wheel is powered by its own electric
motor. This configuration eliminates the need to divide torque among the wheels through
10
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
traditional mechanical means, as each wheel has independent power control. This allows for
precise torque application, optimizing acceleration and traction.
Track
Track width, which is the distance between the left and right wheels of a car, plays a
crucial role in vehicle stability and handling, particularly during cornering. It is measured
from the center of the front and rear wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
A wider track reduces load transfer during turns, thereby minimizing the risk of vehicle
rol, enhancing the vehicle's stability, and providing a larger surface area for generating
downforce. The main drawback of a wider track is the added weight, as the components
become larger, and it may increase aerodynamic drag. However, the overall performance
benefits gained from a wider track typically outweigh these disadvantages, making it a
worthwhile choice.
Overall, optimizing track width, including adjustments to both the front and rear axles, is
an effective strategy for improving handling and stability, especially in competitive racing
environments. Wheel spacers can further enhance maneuverability, contributing to better
cornering performance by moving the wheels outward or inward, depending on the need for
increased stability or agility.
Figure 5: Representation of track width in a car
Efficiency
Optimizing the performance of race vehicles involves enhancing various components,
such as aerodynamics, tires, motors, and batteries, to maximize efficiency and minimize
energy loss. The efficiency of these components can be evaluated through specific metrics,
including tire friction with the ground, energy usage of batteries and motors, and transmission
11
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
resistance, which impacts power-to-energy conversion. Additionally, managing temperatures
is crucial, as both the powertrain and tires experience reduced efficiency when operating
outside their optimal temperature range, leading to increased friction and reduced grip in the
tires, further compromising performance.
Aerodynamic improvements play a key role in efficiency by reducing drag and increasing
downforce. This results in improved lap times through better cornering stability and reduced
air resistance, enabling the vehicle to achieve higher speeds with lower power.
Above that, electric motors experience efficiency losses from mechanical friction, caused
by moving parts generating heat, and magnetic hysteresis. These losses can be reduced
through an optimized motor design to minimize resistance and improve performance.
On the other hand, inverters and controllers are essential for converting and managing
electrical energy to meet the motor's requirements, but their efficiency also impacts the overall
performance of the vehicle. These components can suffer from electrical resistance and
switching losses, where energy is dissipated during the conversion process. Additionally,
thermal inefficiencies in these systems can lead to overheating, further degrading
performance.
Coefficient of Lift (CoL)
The coefficient of lift is an indicator of the pressure difference generated above and below
a vehicle’s body as it moves through the surrounding air. Based on the direction of the vertical
force, the lift can be positive, causing the car to "lift", or negative, known as downforce, which
"pushes" the car against the ground.
The CoL connects the car’s overall lift with its downforce, and typically, a negative CoL
is desired to produce greater downforce, particularly in formula cars. However, a CoL that is
too low results in excessive downforce, can reduce top-speed efficiency and influence the
suspension system, also affecting the contact pressure of the tires with the ground, influencing
traction and grip.
Figure 6: Representation of Coefficient of Lift
12
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Power
Power is the rate at which work is done by the engine, often measured in horsepower (HP)
or kilowatts (kW). In a racing vehicle, the power output from the engine determines how
quickly the vehicle can accelerate, having a direct impact on the top speed, acceleration rates,
and overall responsiveness. This power comes from the four engines, in the case of a FST
Lisboa car, coupled to each wheel.
Considering that, a higher power allows the car to deliver more energy to the wheels,
directly improving acceleration. Overcoming air resistance requires significant power, and a
car's top speed is heavily dependent on the ratio between its power output and aerodynamic
drag. Power is defined by the following equation:
P=Tω
Where P (kW or horsepower) is the power, T is the torque, in Newton-meters (Nm), and
ω is the angular velocity, in radians per second. For electric motors, the availability of instant
torque means that at an angular speed of zero, the motor can deliver its maximum torque. As
the vehicle’s speed increases, the power rises until it reaches the maximum, which is defined
by the motor's design and characteristics.
Weight Distribution
Weight distribution in a car refers to how the vehicle's mass is allocated between the
front and rear axles, and it plays a crucial role in determining the car's handling characteristics.
In vehicles like Formula Student cars, which are typically all-wheel drive, the weight
distribution can be adjusted to optimize performance, particularly in terms of traction,
stability, and responsiveness. For instance, if the car is rear-wheel drive, a heavier rear axle
can improve traction, aiding in acceleration and cornering. But for all-wheel drive cars, the
weight distribution needs to be tailored based on the specific power distribution between the
axles to ensure efficient power delivery to the asphalt. In a system with a 50:50 power
distribution, the weight distribution should ideally mirror this, ensuring balanced handling.
The center of gravity (CoG) is closely linked to weight distribution, as its positioning
directly affects the car's handling dynamics. A more forward CoG tends to cause understeer,
where the car resists turning, while a rearward CoG can induce oversteer, causing the car to
rotate more easily than desired.
Additionally, weight distribution isn't static; it shifts during acceleration, braking, and
cornering due to load transfer, which must be considered when calculating the vehicle's
overall performance. By carefully measuring and adjusting weight distribution, teams can
optimize the vehicle's behavior, ensuring that it responds as desired.
13
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Figure 7: Weight Distribution in a car
14
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Acceleration Event Analysis
The acceleration event consists of an evaluation of the vehicle’s acceleration from a
standing start and is measured over a 75-metre straight. In this event, the most crucial factor
is the ability of the car to accelerate as efficient and fast as possible. Therefore, there are many
parameters considered fundamental for this event:
• Power-to-Weight Ratio: A higher power-to-weight ratio means the car can
accelerate faster because it has more power for each kilogram it needs to move.
Therefore, Formula Student cars need to be lightweight while maximizing engine
power to achieve the best possible acceleration times, in other words, balancing
weight and power to achieve optimal performance. Reducing the weight of
components, including the chassis and powertrain, while increasing engine
efficiency and output, is also key.
• Drag: It is known that a car with less drag will accelerate more effectively at high
speeds because of the less resistance that it encounters. This way, it is essential to
minimize the drag, to overcome this aerodynamic resistance, and to use less engine
power, so it is used mainly for acceleration.
• Torque: A high torque is essential for an improved acceleration, since it gives more
rotational force to the wheels, as the engine can provide force more efficiently
without the need to rev up an engine.
• Weight Distribution: The car’s balance plays a role in maximizing traction during
acceleration. Proper weight distribution, per example, having more weight on the
rear tires, can improve grip and prevent wheel spin.
• Battery and Energy Management: The battery capacity, power delivery, and
energy management systems are extremely important, as they must deliver the
power necessary for fast acceleration while preventing overheating or energy loss.
• Gear ratio: A good gear ratio minimises the time necessary to reach top speed,
which is essential in this event.
15
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Endurance Laptime Analysis
The Endurance event provides the highest number of points (250 points) and is
considered to be the main discipline. It occurs over a distance of 22 kilometers and the cars
have to prove their durability under long-term conditions. Each team has only one attempt and
everything is evaluated, such as acceleration, speed, handling, dynamics, fuel economy and
reliability. The main goal is to create a consistent and reliable car, which can deliver a steady
performance over such a long distance. So, unlike shorter events focused on raw speed, such
as the acceleration event, there are parameters that lose their importance, like the ones related
to outright speed rather than reliability (i.e. Raw Power-to-Weight Ratio). However, there are
many parameters considered fundamental for this event:
•
•
•
•
•
Efficiency: In this event engine tuning and powertrain efficiency play an essential role,
as the energy capacity is limited, it is fundamental to prioritize energy saving in order
to finish the race. For this, the team has to find a compromise between reliability and
the speed of the car, which can be achieved by optimizing energy efficiency, resulting
in an increased power output, and enhanced energy conservation.
Aerodynamic Balance: Finding a balance between downforce and drag is crucial to
optimize overall performance. Per instance, we need to have a high downforce for
maintaining grip in tight corners, as well as a low drag for reduced energy
consumption. On the other hand, we can’t have an excessive downforce, as there will
be more tyre degradation and less efficiency. This way, it is essential to have a negative
coefficient of lift for cornering maneuverability, reduced drag and ensure optimal
performance across all aspects of the race.
Tire Management: When it comes to endurance racing, tire wear becomes important,
especially in Formula Student circuits, known for being twisty, with frequent
cornering. Therefore, a stiffer suspension and a proper camber is crucial to guarantee
that the tires show uniform and steady wear during the competition, enhancing overall
performance.
Wheelbase and track: As it was already referred Formula Student circuits tend to be
extremely twisty and with a lot of consecutive corners, therefore the car needs to move
swiftly in low-speed corners and balance/steady in straights and high-speed corners.
Thus, it would be beneficial to combine a shorter wheelbase, for responsiveness and
agility, with a wider track, to guarantee balance and steadiness in straights and highspeed corners.
Weight Distribution: In this kind of event, the way mass is distributed becomes crucial.
It's important to fine-tune and control load transfers to obtain a well-balanced
handling. A well-allocated weight distribution also helps in reducing tire wear, which
plays a key role in maintaining consistent lap times over longer periods. To contribute
to cornering performance, and increased traction in rear wheels and control, the car
would benefit from a rear-based setup.
16
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Bonus part
The FST Lisboa car is a result of a combination of many integrated systems, each one of
them crucial to improve the car’s performance in the Formula Student Competitions the team
participates in.
Following my interests and the department I am recruiting for, I will be mentioning the
cooling system of the car, because it interacts directly with the Powertrain department, in order to
do an efficient cooling of the powertrain. Also, I will refer the importance of effective
communication and collaboration within the team to the success of the cars.
Effective Communication and Collaboration within the Team:
The success and prestige of FST Lisboa can be attributed to the seamless communication,
collaboration, and interdependence between the various departments that make up the team. These
elements are essential to the team’s ability to excel in the highly competitive environment of
Formula Student, where precision, innovation, and teamwork are key.
Effective communication ensures that all team members are aligned with the same goals
and objectives, regardless of their individual roles. The team fosters an open and transparent flow
of information, allowing each department to work in agreement and stay informed about project
progress.
Collaboration at FST Lisboa transcends mere teamwork, it’s about creating an integrated,
cooperative environment where each department works toward a common objective. The
collaboration of all of the departments is particularly crucial, as these teams must continuously
share insights, resources, and feedback to achieve optimal results.
These core principles foster an environment of innovation, efficiency, and excellence,
allowing the team to consistently produce high-quality cars and perform well in Formula Student
competitions.
Cooling System:
Cooling systems in a Formula Student car are vital for maintaining optimal performance
during a race. These systems are designed to regulate the temperature of critical components such
as the engine, brakes, and various electronics, preventing overheating, which could lead to
component failure and loss of performance.
Cooling is based on two different zones, divided by air pressure differences. A lowpressure zone is where the air pressure is lower than that of surrounding areas. Low-pressure
occurs in regions where the airflow accelerates and spreads out, causing air molecules to become
less compressed and resulting in a decrease in pressure. In a Formula car, low-pressure zones are
17
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
crucial for generating downforce and appear as: rear wing and floor; diffuser, and underbody and
rear tires.
A high-pressure zone occurs where the air pressure is greater than that in surrounding
areas. This usually happens in regions where airflow is compressed, slowing down as it moves
over or around an object. In general, high-pressure zones are created by the deceleration of the air
molecules. In the context of a Formula car: the front of the car, regions of stagnation, and
underbody. These high-pressure zones contribute to lift or drag (depending on the object's shape
and orientation).
In summary, the cooling system in a high-performance vehicle provides multiple
advantages. It prevents overheating, optimizes performance, improves the reliability and
longevity of key components, protects sensitive electronics, and enhances safety. All of these
factors contribute to the overall success of the vehicle on the track and ensure the car can perform
at its best throughout a race.
18
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560
FST Lisboa
Uni. Lisbon - Instituto Superior Técnico
Conclusion
Upon completing the research and integrating the results with the simulation tool, I have
come to understand that the car's performance is an overly complex matter, influenced by a
range of factors. To maximize a car’s potential, teams must carefully balance these various
parameters, understanding that enhancing one aspect often comes at the cost of another. It
requires careful management and considering many additional elements.
19
Website: fstlisboa.com | Team Mail: fstlisboa@fst.tecnico.ulisboa.pt | Phone: +351 218 419560