Introduction
- The 2015 Formula SAE® Rules govern the competition, outlining administrative regulations, vehicle requirements, and technical specifications for both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles.
Administrative Regulations (Part A)
- Formula SAE Overview and Competition (Article 1): The competition aims to challenge students' engineering skills and promote innovation in vehicle design.
- The 2015-2016 Formula SAE Series (Article 2): Events include Michigan, Lincoln, and California, with rules applying to all.
- Formula SAE Rules and Organizer Authority (Article 3): Rules are final, with organizers having authority to interpret and enforce them.
- Individual Participation Requirements (Article 4): Students must be enrolled in a degree-granting program, with no professional engineers allowed.
- Faculty Advisor, Electrical System Officer, and Advisor (Article 5): Each team must have a faculty advisor and an electrical system officer, with advisors optional.
- Vehicle Eligibility (Article 6): Vehicles must be designed, built, and raced by students, with no previous racing experience allowed.
- Registration (Article 7): Teams must register online, with fees varying by event and registration date.
- Vehicle Documentation, Deadlines, and Penalties (Article 8): Detailed vehicle documentation is required, with deadlines and penalties for late submissions.
- Protests (Article 9): Protests must be submitted in writing, with a $500 fee, and will be reviewed by the Chief Steward.
- Questions About the Formula SAE Rules (Article 10): Inquiries should be directed to the SAE International office.
General Technical Requirements (Part T)
- Vehicle Requirements & Restrictions (Article 1): Vehicles must be single-seat, open-wheel, and have a maximum weight of 600 lbs (272 kg).
- General Design Requirements (Article 2): Vehicles must be safe, reliable, and meet all technical requirements.
- Driver’s Cell (Article 3): The driver's cell must be designed to protect the driver in case of an accident.
- Cockpit (Article 4): The cockpit must be designed for driver comfort and safety, with specific dimensions and features outlined.
- Drivers Equipment (Article 5): Drivers must use a five-point harness and have adequate cockpit padding.
- General Chassis Rules (Article 6): Chassis must be rigid, with specific materials and construction methods allowed.
- Brake System (Article 7): Vehicles must have a functional brake system, with specific performance requirements.
- Powertrain (Article 8): Powertrain must be designed to meet specific performance and efficiency targets.
- Aerodynamic Devices (Article 9): Vehicles may use aerodynamic devices to improve performance, with specific restrictions outlined.
- Compressed Gas Systems and High Pressure Hydraulics (Article 10): Systems must be designed to prevent leaks and failures.
- Fasteneners (Article 11): Fasteners must meet specific strength and durability requirements.
- Transponders (Article 12): Vehicles must have a transponder for timing and safety purposes.
- Vehicle Identification (Article 13): Vehicles must have clear identification numbers.
- Equipment Requirements (Article 14): Vehicles must have specific equipment for safety and competition purposes.
- Possible Future Rules Changes (Article 15): SAE International may make changes to the rules in the future.
Appendices
- T-1, T-2, T-3: Structural equivalence spreadsheet, impact attenuator data report, and standard impact attenuator specifications.
- AF: Alternative frame rules for vehicles using a monocoque or stressed-skin structure.
- IC: Internal combustion engine vehicle-specific rules.
- EV: Electric vehicle-specific rules.
