BlackboardSolar Racing Team
At the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, a dedicated group of students has designed and constructed a solar powered race car to compete in Sunrayce 1999. The car, SunSation, has been a learning project for both students and faculty involved, but as often happens in complex engineering projects, the development fell behind schedule.
The SunSation was not complete for the pre-qualifer event held in early May of this year. However, through a concerted effort and many long hours, the car was ready for the last pre-qualifer event held on June 20th. The SunSation met all the requirements of this review, and only needed minor corrections before the could begin the final test. All problems were corrected on the spot, and the SunSation began the last pre-qualifer requirement, completing 125 miles on a closed 1.1 mile track at an average speed of 25mph during a fixed eight hour period. Unfortunately during the second lap a screw came lose in the break assembly and jammed the front right wheel. It was then discovered that this problem affected three of the four wheels and required repairs before continuing. Once repaired, the car ran very well, easily averaging 30 mph, but the repairs took over three hours, the team ran out of time to complete the necessary 125 miles. As a result, the FAMU-FSU team did not qualify for the actual race.
Nevertheless, the students accomplished a significant feat. Sunrayce 1999 was a great educational experience and provided a "real life" chance to use the information and skills learned in the classroom.
