Diseño y construcción en fibra de carbono del alerón delantero aplicado al vehículo prototipo Fórmula SAE de la carrera Ingeniería Automotriz

Abstract

The objective of this curricular integration work was to design and build a fiberglass carbon front spoiler applied to the Formula SAE prototype vehicle of the Engineering Race ESPOCH Automotive. Using CAD software for the design, and composite materials for its construction, complying with the specifications of the SAE organization (Automotive Engineers Society). This research arises from the need to optimize the aerodynamics of the competition car, so it began by digitizing four models of spoilers through Space Claim software. To then transfer them to the DISCOVERY module of the ANSYS software to carry out the corresponding aerodynamic study, from which the force of lift, drag force, drag coefficient, fineness, and absorbed power consumption. The selection of the spoiler was made considering these results in conjunction with the manufacturing cost analysis. It started with the construction process by dividing the forward spoiler in the SpaceClaim software in essential parts. The molds of the elements that comprise were made. It was applied carbon fiber fabric in the molds smearing epoxy resin mixture together with catalyst for the lamination process . Subsequently, it was encapsulated piece with plastic, and the excess resin was sucked out using a vacuum pump. Finally, all the pieces were assembled until the spoiler was completely finished. It was used the wind tunnel of the Automotive Engineering Career laboratory to compare the results of the simulation, using a 10:1 scale model of the selected spoiler to analyze the aerodynamic load and drag results. It is concluded that the results are equivalent to those obtained in the simulation. It is recommended to continue with the design and simulation of the front spoiler in order to improve its aerodynamic coefficients, reduce its resistance and reduce your weight.