Nicholas Davis created a CAD model of his school's Formula SAE racecar including a movable suspension. He performed finite element analysis that reduced the weight of a part by 35% while improving manufacturability. Data analysis of tire loading showed unbalanced tires significantly impact grip. A MATLAB script generated curves showing different steering geometries' effects on lateral acceleration. Davis' engineering portfolio includes weight reduction of the racecar's suspension and building a large walking machine to encourage students in STEM fields.

1. Engineering Portfolio
Nicholas Davis
davi2604@umn.edu 507-923-5827
SOLIDWORKS model of the Formula SAE racecar. This CAD model includes nearly every component on the car, including
fasteners. I was responsible for creating a movable suspension, a first for the team. This eliminated many clearance
issues that had to be solved during final assembly last year.
Finite Element Analysis of the front sway bar arm done using SOLIDWORKS Simulation. I was able to reduce the weight
of this part by 35% while reducing manufacturing time by an estimated 20% and increasing adjustability.

2. A Fast Fourier Transform of vertical loading on the tires data in a constant velocity corner. The peaks correspond to the
rotational frequencies of the inner and outer wheels. Previously my team had thought that it was unimportant to
balance tires, however this analysis shows that unbalanced tires are the largest disturbance to tire grip.
A plot of the effect of different steering geometries on lateral acceleration of the car. The curves were generated with a
MATLAB script that I wrote that takes into account tire grip, suspension kinematics, and aerodynamic loading.
13.50
14.00
14.50
15.00
15.50
16.00
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
LateralAcceleration(m/s^2)
Turn Radius (m)
Lateral Acceleration vs Turn Radius
Ideal
Current
Proposed

3. Picture showing the front left suspension of the car. A weight reduction of 10% was achieved, for a total weight of 10
pounds per corner.
TeslaWorks “Strandbeest” project: 8 foot tall, 1000 pound, pedal powered walking machine. This was made for the
College of Science and Engineering Expo, an event to encourage interest in STEM fields among middle school children.