Front Impact Structure
What? Designed carbon fiber anti-intrusion plate (AIP) and impact attenuator (IA) to absorb frontal impacts without harming the driver. How? Iterated many IA designs and carbon fiber layup schedules to meet FSAE and FSG regulations while minimizing weight. Performed scale tests on IA and AIP to ensure proper impact absorption. Results? Decreased system weight by 52% while maintaining crucial energy absorption and protection. Passed the regulations testing for the first time, correlating scale testing to real-life performance. Integrated carbon fiber AIP/IA into the car for the first time in the team's history with modern rules.
Owen McDade
- Current
HighlightS
- Reduced impact structure weight by 52% while maintaining critical energy absorption.
- Qualified design of an 8 ply impact structure using an impact tower and an Instron tensile tester.
- Validated impact structure performance through full-scale physical testing, utilizing accelerometers and load cells.
- Incorporated AIP + IA with multiple sub-teams to guarantee cohesive design and implementation of the product.
- Ensured high quality standard of parts by following proper bagging and composite manufacturing procedures.
SKILLS
Composite Manufacturing
Structural Analysis
Structural Design
Structural Testing
Solidworks