Project Based Learning Education by SAE Formula Car Program at Kokushikan University -Education System and Result of Development Research- 2005-32-0082

The core education of the Faculty of Engineering at Kokushikan University is creative engineering education by manufacturing generally on the base of the result of development research. Some of the students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Information Technology participate in the formula car program. They conceive, design, fabricate by themselves, and compete with small formula-style racing cars at the Formula SAE® (the Society of Automotive Engineers) Competition held annually in USA under the auspices of SAE. This program is planned in order to bring up the ability of settling and solving the problems through teamwork. In addition to the PBL education system, the authors refer to the result of the development research connected with this practical education in this paper. The Formula SAE® Rules provide that a single circular restriction must be placed in the intake system between the throttle and the engine in order to limit the power capability from the engine. Therefore, this paper refers mainly to the improvement of air flow inside of the air restrictor system, which can take great effect on engine performance.