Dear friends, dear supporters and dear fans!
We are back with a new update from the production phase of EDGE16.
This month, production has started on several modules, which means we have entered the next phase of our project! A lot has happened in the last few weeks and especially during the winter vacations. From our suspension module to progress on the aero and monocoque and preparations for the upcoming rules quizzes - there's a lot to report.
Suspension
Production of the suspension parts has officially begun! We have started with the production of the rims, the first parts are already taking shape and we have outsourced the production of numerous other components to external manufacturing companies to ensure optimum quality.
Aerodynamics
Past a successful design freeze, our aerodynamics members are also starting production. During the design freeze, we discussed in detail with our alumni and team members which changes to the existing components would make sense. Small adjustments were then made to various assemblies. To prepare for production, the team designed the new molds, which are now being handed over to our sponsors for milling. As soon as these are ready, we will start producing the tooling (specially manufactured aids that are necessary for the production of the final components). After curing, the molds are laminated, vacuum-packed and “baked”. This is followed by post-processing and adaptation to the vehicle - and possibly a polish before the parts are installed!
Monocoque
After a few difficulties, we managed to complete the first cycle of the monocoque. First, we prepared the tooling by repairing imperfections and treating them with release agents (lubricants or release agents that are applied to the tooling to ensure that the finished part can be easily removed from the mold later without sticking or being damaged). We then placed the loose parts in the right places to allow for subsequent drilling. Then the monocoque was laminated, vacuumed and sent to the autoclave for curing. The 2nd cycle is currently still in progress, but we are confident that this will also be successfully completed soon!
Electronics
The first version (V1) of almost all PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards are circuit boards used in electronic devices to connect different electronic components together) has now been designed and ordered. The alumni of our team helped us with the review, so hopefully we have a solid base for the V1. At the same time, the wiring harness is in the planning stage and winding should start this week. Next on the agenda is the software development, the assembly and soldering of the PCBs and the joint tests with the software. The wiring harness will be manufactured at the same time. We are currently preparing everything so that we can optimize the software this year and test and build it directly in Git (a tool for saving changes to the code and collaborating with others), including the associated documentation.
Rules quiz
As mentioned at the beginning, the big rules quizzes will take place at the end of the month (on January 31st), the results of which will determine which competitions we can take part in this summer. In the middle of the month, there was another extensive rules quiz simulation in which we competed against other Formula Student teams and did well thanks to our preparation. Nevertheless, we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to use the last few days before the deadline efficiently to fill in any gaps in our knowledge so that we can give it our all on January 31st.
Until then!
Your TU Wien Racing
Comments