Mike Dickison Associate Dean, Engineering, Environment & Computing Coventry University Sponsors
Mike DickisonAssociate Dean, Engineering, Environment
& ComputingCoventry University
Sponsors
Creation of a lightweight, aerodynamicallyefficient sports car design through studentresearch projectsMike Dickison, Associate Dean, Engineering, Environment & Computing
Sparrowhawk – The Vision Exterior Design
Provide relevant, challenging and interesting student
projects
Create a team-working and collaborative working
environment, preparing students for industry
Demonstrate student and staff technical expertise and
capabilities
Develop a niche sports car that has genuine technical
innovation and appeal
Create a new niche car company in Coventry
Early Aesthetic Concepts
Body Concept Development
Early ¼ scale concept
Selected ¼ scale concept
Clay Model Approaching Completion
Rear Spoiler and Diffuser - Optimising Down Force
Open cockpit creates turbulence and drag
Air flows effectively through cooling system andengine bay
Current nose designcauses drag andrequires furtherdetaileddevelopment
Closed version generates less drag than open cockpit
Aerodynamic Development
Initial design demonstrated high rear lift
Optimisation included:-• Aerofoil section and angle of attack• Rear diffuser• Lip spoiler for roof• Vertical and rearward position of spoiler• Rear wheel arch ventilation
Novel Door Hinge
Door pivots out and thenupwards using a uniquemechanism
Exterior Design Rendering
1st Prototype Body
Lightweight Chassis Development Design
Basic frame provided as apackaging guide
Students provided withbasic package constraints
Early central tub design
Parameters for students• Aluminium alloy construction (CFRP too costly)• Structural performance and mass targets set
The vehicle mechanical and occupant packaging, chassisand suspension systems have all been designed through3rd Year and Master’s Individual Projects
Packaging and Mechanical Systems Design
Topology Optimisation and Design Development
Final Chassis Design
Multi cell side member toincrease structuralproperties and eliminatebuckling
Front andrear crashsections arebolt-on
Bolt-on rearpowertrainstructure
Mass and stiffness optimisation conductedSide impact beams not shown
Critical A and B pillar jointsrobustly designed
Battery Electric Vehicle Powertrain
Batteries packaged tominimise risk of damagein an accident and tooptimise weightdistribution
Both EV and petrolpowertrains allows forrear luggagecompartment
Chassis Manufacturing Jig
Suspensionpointsalignmentis finaloperation
Jig rotatesthrough 360degrees to allowoptimum accessfor welding
Welding andbonding usedwhereappropriate
Manufactured as subassemblies before final assembly
Summary
A complete driving platform has been designed for bothpetrol and EV powertrain systems
Safety, stiffness and mass has have been optimised
There are only minor differences between the petroland EV structures
The exterior body has been optimised for aestheticsand aerodynamics
Alternative bodies can be easily fitted making this anideal base for very low volume or one-off bodies
Our accolades University of the Year 2015
Times Higher Education (THE) Awards
Modern University of the Year 2014,2015, 2016The Times and Sunday Times Good UniversityGuide
97% of graduates employed or infurther studyDLHE survey 2015/16 – six months after graduating
Queen’s Award for EnterpriseInternational Trade 2015
Gold for outstanding teaching and
learningTeaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
2nd in UK for Teaching Excellence (TEF)Times Higher Education metrics ranking 2017
Top 4 for Student Experience and
Teaching QualityThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017
Ranked No.12 UK UniversityGuardian University Guide 2018
Thank You