College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
6-2024
Primary Advisor
Wayne Pilkington, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Abstract/Summary
Throughout the history of motorsports, engineers have continuously pushed the boundaries of speed and control in the pursuit of enhancing vehicle performance on the track. Today’s top performing motor-vehicles leverage electric motors to the deliver instantaneous torque to the vehicle’s tires. While these electric motors can deliver a lot of power very efficiently, the delivery must be well controlled to get the most performance out of the tires. The Formula SAE Vehicle Dynamics Controller (VDC) senior project integrates vehicle modeling, state estimation, and yaw moment controls into a small- scale Formula-one style electric vehicle, improving vehicle performance and laying the groundwork for future in-hub motor control systems. Nestled within Cal Poly Racing’s Formula-One style race vehicle, the VDC project is both the hardware and software that inputs data from the vehicle’s sensor package to determine vehicle state. Once vehicle state is determined, we can use vehicle dynamics to optimize torque distribution on each tire in order to improve vehicle performance. The VDC’s primary objective is to elevate vehicle performance, particularly in acceleration and skid-pad events, acting as the vehicle's guiding force to achieve peak dynamic behavior.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/649