Position Title: Structural Equivalency or Alternate Frame Document Reviewer
Activity: Formula SAE Document Review
Position Description: Volunteers conduct technical reviews of designs submitted by students in a “Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet” (SES). This process is intended to make sure all frames are safe and rules legal even before Technical Inspection at competition. Violations and required changes are communicated to students with explanations of the rules and, when possible, teachable engineering moments. Properly submitted or corrected documents are approved in the months before competition.
There are multiple car categories. Reviewers may participate in only one or as many as they like.
- Checking Steel Tube frames for tube size, location, and triangulation.
- Also checking Impact Attenuators for energy dissipation and Front Wing detachment.
- Checking Electric Steel Tube cars for frame, impact attenuator, and battery attachment.
- Checking Electric Steel Tube cars with composite battery containers.
- Checking composite monocoques and other structural composites.
Preferred Skills/Qualifications/ Experience: Volunteers should have a good understanding of Statics. Familiarity with FSAE or other vehicle frame designs is helpful. No knowledge of composite materials is necessary but help with composite structures is especially appreciated. No electrical knowledge required. Training and mentoring offered for all aspects.
Orientation and Training: Online training and weekly discussions are led by experienced reviewers.
Work Conducted via: Documents and communication with students via messages on www.fsaeonline.com. Weekly WebEx meetings with all reviewers.
Time Commitment: The review process starts months before competition. The Lead Reviewer will manage assignments based on experience and availability. Reviewing and writing up changes for any individual document varies depending on complexity. There is a weekly conference call for training, questions, and open discussion..
SAE Members only: NO
Leadership Skills Obtained in this Role:
● Resolving issues fairly, consistently, and courteously from a position of authority
● Engineering judgment
● Mentoring students and other reviewers with lessons learned
● Continuous improvement of this process for all participants
