Design and Fabrication of a Carbon Fiber Wheel for the Husker Motorsports Club

Authors

Benjamin Bashtovoi, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jordan Chapin, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Michael Pineda, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Caden Lind, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Thomas Crum, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Bashtovoi, B., Chapin, J., Crum, T., Lind, C., Pineda, M. 2024. Design and Fabrication of a Carbon Fiber Wheel for the Husker Motorsports Club. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Copyright Benjamin Bashtovoi, Jordan Chapin, Michael Pineda, Caden Lind, and Thomas Crum 2024

Abstract

Every year, the Husker Motorsports team participates in a Formula SAE competition that challenges students to design and manufacture a Formula-style vehicle to compete against colleges from around the world. The Husker Motorsports club has sponsored this senior capstone project to improve the vehicle’s performance by reducing unsprung mass. Unsprung mass reduction has numerous benefits on vehicle dynamics, including improved acceleration, handling, and braking. To achieve these performance improvements, the team developed carbon-fiber composite wheels that weigh less than the current wheel solution and provide better rigidity. The team designed and modeled the wheel according to the 2023-2024 competition car criteria, conducted composite loading simulations based on past vehicle performance and developed a manufacturing plan for future production. In addition to using 3D modeling, traditional manufacturing, and mechanical testing, the project incorporated complex simulation and composite manufacturing. The project produced a successful one-piece carbon fiber wheel with a reusable male mold system. As the use of high-performance composites increases in motorsports, this project will provide Husker Motorsports with a product that will improve their competitiveness for future competitions.