PROJECT TITLE: SAE Formula Car Display System
PROJECT ADVISORS: Steve Gutschlag & Dr. Winfred Anakwa
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Senior Electrical Engineering project, Fall 1999 - Spring 2000
This project is designed with practicality in mind with a goal to
have the system ready for use on the car at the race in Detriot in
May of 2000.
Sensors measuring axle speed will be outfitted to the car, one on each
rear axle -- two so that things like slippage can be detected. Another
sensor will measure engine speed. Once the information about axle speed
and engine shaft speed is obtained, in conjunction with transmission
gear ratios, the engaged gear can be determined. 0-60 acceleration time
will also be calculated through the use of the axle speed sensor. A
central microcontroller will be used for data acquisition and calculation
of performance specs. The microcontroller will also be used to display
the data on an electroluminescent display (EL/LCD). The three things
that will be displayed on the LCD are:
1) Engine speed (electronic tachometer)
2) 0-60 acceleration time (calculated)
3) Transmission gear engaged
LEDs can also be implemented to display transmission gear engaged. These
LEDs can be mounted in the driver's helmet for quick reading.
The estimated deadline for this project is April 1, 2000 so that the system
can be ready and guaranteed for operation for the formula car race in
Detriot in May.