Search Results

Since 1995, Queen's University has been competing in the annual Formula SAE® competition. The first three formula cars were of conventional construction consisting of a tubular welded steel frame and welded steel suspension components. In the summer of 1997 the team began design and construction of their first monocoque chassis. A technique referred to as cut and fold was to be used for the construction. The material selected for the monocoque was a balsa-wood core with aluminum skins, commonly used in the aircraft industry. An innovative method to produce suspension arms with the use of an adhesive was also developed. The main objective in the design of the aluminum composite monocoque was to reduce the weight, increase stiffness, and simplify the design of the racecar. During the initial design stages it became evident that the composite monocoque would have many advantages over the steel frame, such as fewer components and the absence of welding.