The Prometheus
This year, we are currently working on our first prototype car. This car will be a learning experience for all of our members and it will be a stepping stone in our club's journey to become a competitive team.
Chassis
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The vehicle's chassis is made up of a series of one-inch thick, 4130 steel tubes. This design was created in accordance with our car's suspension parameters and will protect our driver from any possible dangerous circumstances. The frame will also house a breaking system with adjustable pedals, a steering system featuring a quick-release wheel, and all of the electrical and mechanical components of the vehicle powertrain. Moving forward, our vehicle's frame will alter its dimensions to optimize weight, fit suspension parameters, and eventually introduce aerodynamic and ergonomic additions. |
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Suspension
The Suspension System serves as the direct connection the driver has to the road. For UCEM, The Prometheus utilizes a cost effective and reliable double wishbone suspension manufactured in house. This configuration promises augmented anti-roll and low-effort steering, while remaining simple to allow for a large adjustability range for ride height, squat, dive and spring preload. The simplicity of the double wishbone setup also provides the advantage reliable in-house manufacturing as well as iterative testing on various designs.
Upright and spindle designs are not only optimized for mass, but UCEM engineers have put together a system where front and rear corners are similar, allowing for increased manufacturability and sticking with the simple design, this setup allows for easy problem diagnosis and implementation of repairs should there be any excessive wear on the Prometheus.
Upright and spindle designs are not only optimized for mass, but UCEM engineers have put together a system where front and rear corners are similar, allowing for increased manufacturability and sticking with the simple design, this setup allows for easy problem diagnosis and implementation of repairs should there be any excessive wear on the Prometheus.
Powertrain
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The powertrain is composed of dozens of Lithium Polymer batteries wired together to produce the incredibly high voltage the 3 phase permanent magnet synchronous motor needs. This motor can pull 80kW of power at burst, and is capable of generating nearly 110 horsepower. The motor is geared down with a sprocket and chain system to increase the torque supplied to the rear axle.
A lightweight Drexler limited slip differential divides the power supplied between the two rear wheels of the Prometheus. This single drive system without a transmission not only drastically reduces weight, but also allows for much easier serviceability and reliability. The instant maximum torque that an electric motor provides further reduces the need for a transmission. One of the most integral systems on the car, the powertrain was designed with reliability, weight and performance in mind. |
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Electronics
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Behind the seat lies the motor control unit, a computer that regulates the power supplied to the motor. This unit processes the input given from the gas pedals as well as the wheel speed sensors for the launch and traction control systems integrated into the motor control units. This high voltage system will have a potential of nearly 300 Volts, and stores enough energy to run the Prometheus through an hour of intensive autocross driving.
With over 50 sensors around the vehicle, the controller on board the Prometheus is responsive and receptive to the condition of the car at all times. Several wheel speed, pressure, and strain sensors that monitor the several electrical shutdown switches are also present to keep all technicians and drivers safe. These lower voltage systems drive further vehicle optimization, research, and development with incredible amounts of data collection and analysis. |
