The University of Southampton is racing in Formula Student for the first time since 2005. What has the journey been like so far?
James Crothers has just completed his second year as a mechanical engineering student at the University of Southampton. He attended Formula Student in 2011, working on suspension and steering elements for the University of Leeds’ entry while studying for his A-levels. This year, as well as his contribution to the Southampton race-car’s suspension and aerodynamics teams, and his work to raise the profile of FS across the university, he is reviving the Institution’s regional young members’ panel in the area.
It’s been a busy seven months, he says, but the support of the university and local businesses, not to mention the enthusiasm and drive of over 100 fellow students and lecturers to design, build and refine the race-car, makes it all worth it.
“The team is in its infancy,” says James. “We’ve given our all to make sure we have a car this year, and we also see it as a springboard to next year’s competition. We’re focusing on compliance with the stringent safety regulations, to ensure we pass the static testing and get into the dynamic stage. The judges’ thorough reports and feedback will really help us analyse our performance and we feel the opportunity to discuss outcomes with other competitors at Silverstone will also be useful. We want Southampton to make an impact on the competition.”
The University of Southampton, of course, has a history of excellence in engineering in one of its most famous alumni, Adrian Newey OBE. James mentions that Adrian Newey’s achievements in Formula 1 have inspired many at Southampton, from undergraduates to lecturers, and even the Vice Chancellor, Professor Donald Nutbeam, who is guest of honour at the FS car’s launch event on Friday 28 June.
James says:
“Engineering at Southampton gave Adrian Newey the chance to become a world-leader in motorsport design, and the great range of tools and engineering design knowledge provided by the university have led to international acclaim and recognition from his country with the award of an OBE: it is inspiring to see what can be achieved and to know that Formula Student is part of that legacy.”
Currently looking for new and exciting ways to expand – in the UK and worldwide – James says that taking part in Formula Student is the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the university. It has brought students from a range of disciplines together, from business to physics, finance to chemistry. One of the most influential individuals, James says, has been Andy Cruden, Professor of Energy Technology (formerly of Strathclyde University), who was a catalyst for getting FS up and running again at Southampton, and instrumental in securing the necessary support and funding.
Looking ahead to 2014’s competition, James says the team feels galvanised: there is interest from a range of departments and faculties, including Electrical Engineering, and discussions are taking place to integrate FS design-and-build into studies, such as within the 3D printing research lab. Other facilities are coming together: access to Southampton’s resources such as its acclaimed wind tunnel and race simulator software will make a difference and develop the team’s designs in future years.
The car is named Virgin Valerie. Team leader is Szymon Prajs, a third-year Physics undergraduate, and there are three drivers: Ben Davis, James Robinson and Scott Michaels, who have experience in motorsport competitions.
James says, “Our drivers have been really important consultants within the team; they are experienced university superkart competitors. They’ve been instrumental in the choice of tyres and other components in the car. We have adjustable seating and pedals to cater for their different sizes! Ours is one of the longest cars in the competition, with one of the strongest chassis – again, we are keeping it simple, safe and effective: we’ll look at elements to refine next year, such as moving from petrol to hybrid and designing a carbon monocoque for 2014’s model.”
Working towards Formula Student 2013 has presented a range of challenges and ambitions for the Southampton team. James talks of how the university’s support has been incredibly positive; and how enthusiasm for the project has become infectious across departments. The team is already channelling interest into supporting next year’s entry, while never losing sight of the achievement of taking this year’s car to Silverstone:
“Formula Student has such a strong legacy and reputation here at Southampton. It’s important to get as many students involved as possible. Any prospective engineering undergraduate will automatically ask if a university has a Formula Student team, and at this point in the Institution’s expansion, the work to evolve FS here has been vital.”
With a week to go until 125 cars and their engineers arrive at Silverstone, James describes the buzz in the atmosphere and sums up the team’s feelings:
“Excitement! Everyone wants to get to the competition now and run the car to the best of its ability. It’s been a rollercoaster to get the car this far and there’s also great anticipation to build on what we’re achieving in years to come.”