Founded in 1981 by the SAE USA, Formula Student has since then grown to a fascinating global racing series. In 1998, this series was taken over by SAE England and these cars have been competing in Europe since 2006. On the basis of very logical regulations, these monoposto racing cars are designed, developed and built by students of various universities and colleges of technology around the globe, and are tested and evaluated in special competitions. In contrast to the regular Formula One, regulations are not as stringent. Hence, students have to consider carefully whether they want to design one-, two-, three- or four-cylinders engines with turbo- or supercharging or natural aspiration. The choice of engines has a decisive influence on the design concept of the car, and especially on its weight which is not limited. Lightweight design and the right materials are the key to a successful car, and force students also to deal with this topical issue. In the final evaluation, not only driving performance and fuel economy but also other criteria are taken into consideration. In 2006, approximately 400 universities in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia participated in these competitions. In Europe, the main racing events take place in Silverstone, United Kingdom, Hockenheim, Germany, and Fiorano, Italy. With a view to challenging the innovative spirit of the students, every year a new car must be developed, and in most cases the entire team is replaced by another one. This presentation shows that due to today's very strict Formula One regulations, a standard engine concept has emerged in practice and illustrates the wide range of different racing engines of Formula Student which are the outcome of less stringent regulations and their impact on racing cars.
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