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Liu formula student´s newsletter
Second Newsletter for the ER26 project
Welcome to the second edition of the ER26’s newsletter! In this letter we will cover the engineering teams Chassis and Vehicle Dynamics. Two teams that are very important for the car’s main structure and functionality. Continue reading and you will learn what their main responsibilities are and how they work together to make sure that the project runs smoothly.
Chassis – The Backbone of the Car
Every Formula Student car needs a strong and well-engineered skeleton, the chassi, to function. It’s the structure that holds the entire car together physically. This project, our Chassis Team is exploring new design solutions to decrease the weight and start implementing carbon fiber instead of only steel tubes, like previous years.
The Chassis Team consists of ten dedicated members, divided into two main groups: the frame and the driver’s environment. In addition, one member focuses on composite development and another on structural calculations. Together, the team is responsible for designing and manufacturing the car’s chassis. A process that needs to be finished early in the car’s development since other teams depend on it.
Their work covers everything from the load-bearing steel space frame to the driver’s environment, which includes the seat, headrest, steering wheel, and related safety systems. Because the chassis endures significant forces during racing, each component must undergo thorough verification. This involves extensive manual calculations and simulation analyses, ensuring every part achieves the perfect balance between low weight and maximum strength.
Material selection is critical for both performance and safety. The frame is primarily made from steel tubes, complemented by steel and aluminum sheet components. Within the driver’s environment, several parts are made from carbon fiber composites. Safety systems, which must comply with Formula Student regulations, are sourced externally.
Thanks to strong partnerships with our sponsors, the chassis tubes we get from ME racing are laser-cut by Luni and bent by BS Rörbock, before being TIG-welded together in the university’s workshop. Most other parts are also produced in-house from water-cut and bent sheet metal to MDF molds for carbon fiber manufacturing. All composite production takes place in LiU’s composite lab, handled directly by the team.
Time management is a critical aspect for the Chassis Team. As one of the first components that must be completed, the chassis sets the pace for the entire production phase. The goal is to finalize all frame design work, including the welding jig, by early December, followed by the rest of the chassis design in mid-December.
The biggest innovation this year is the introduction of carbon fiber panels replacing certain steel tubes. This marks an important step in the team’s long-term vision of transitioning to a monocoque chassis, where the chassis and bodywork form a single integrated structure. While this shift introduces new challenges in testing and validation, it also promises progress in weight reduction and structural stiffness.
Vehicle Dynamics – Bringing the Car to Life
The Vehicle Dynamics Team is responsible for all the moving components of the car – the systems that allow it to accelerate, brake, and steer. They define the car’s dynamic behavior through simulations and iterative design work, ensuring that it’s drivable.
The team consists of 17 engineers working on complex mechanical systems such as suspension, steering, drivetrain, and brakes. Some members focus more on simulations and analysis, studying how tire and suspension parameters affect overall vehicle performance to refine the car’s behavior.
For the ER26`s project, the goal is to build a car with improved reliability and performance through data-driven design. One of the team’s most important milestones is determining the suspension pick-up points, which have a major impact on the entire vehicle’s dynamics. During spring, the team also lead the Rolling Chassis milestones, the exciting moment when all systems are installed, and the car rolls and steers for the first time.
Collaboration is essential for the Vehicle Dynamics Team. Almost every system they develop interacts with other teams, requiring clear communication and teamwork. For instance, the suspension system directly affects the Chassis Team, while the drivetrain requires close coordination with the Packaging Team.
A major focus this year for the team is improving how simulation tools, physical testing, and validation are used together. By analyzing real data from tests and simulations, the team aims to make more informed, data-driven engineering decisions that enhance the car’s reliability and performance.
Together, the Chassis and Vehicle Dynamics teams form the foundation of our Formula Student car by combining engineering precision, teamwork, and testing new solutions to improve the reliability and performance of the car.
LiU Formula Student – where students become proffessionals.
Er26´s first newsletter!
The first newsletter of the ER26 season is here! In this letter we´re getting to know this years management and the goals we have for the ER26 car. Let´s get to work!
From the left: Gustav, Viktor, Victor, Isac, Simon
LiU Formula Student – Management & Goals for the ER26 Project
Welcome to ER26’s first newsletter!
A new year brings a new car, new challenges, and a new management team. For this year’s LiU Formula Student project, ER26, we have a strong group of dedicated members who will combine technical expertise, leadership, and a shared passion for innovation. Here’s your chance to get to know the management team a little better. Who they are, why they joined the organization, and what they have learned along the way.
Isac Vejklint – President
Isac is pursuing a master’s degree in Sustainable Enterprise. He started in the Cost & Business team during the ER22 project, but now serves as the President of the organization. He describes Formula Student as the coolest student association at LiU and was drawn to the opportunity to be part of something that operates more like a real company than a traditional student association. Through his involvement, Isac has gained valuable insight into how large organizations function and how leadership can foster structure, engagement, and motivation within a team. His role has deepened his understanding of what effective leadership means and how to build a strong, goal-oriented culture where everyone contributes to a shared goal.
Gustav Johansson – Vice President
Gustav is studying for a master’s degree in Computer Engineering and Digital Business Development. Gustav serves as the Vice President, but began his journey in the Cost & Business team during the ER23 project. He finds it incredibly exciting to be part of a large-scale project that functions more like a professional organization than a student association. During his time in Formula Student, Gustav has learned how to manage his time effectively, work within complex project structures, and to understand how both technical and organizational systems interact. His background in technology has sparked a particular interest in the digital and software aspects of the project, and he is passionate about bridging the gap between engineering and management.
Simon Jönsson – Treasurer
Simon is pursuing a master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. He joined during the ER25 project and is the organisation’s Treasurer. He initially joined Formula Student because several of his friends were involved and he wanted to spend his free time doing something fun and meaningful. Over time, Simon has gained a deep understanding of how large projects are organized, how to plan and execute complex tasks, and how teamwork makes it possible to overcome difficult challenges. As Treasurer, he has developed valuable skills in project management, financial responsibility, and communication. All of which complement the theoretical knowledge from his studies.
Victor Fräjdin – Technical Director
Victor holds a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and is currently doing his master in Applied Mechanics. He began his Formula Student journey in the Mechanical Powertrain team during the ER23 project where he helped design the battery enclosure. He joined the project because he wanted to apply his academic knowledge in a hands-on engineering environment. Now, as Technical Director, Victor oversees the technical development of the car and ensures that all systems work seamlessly together. His time in the organization has taught him a great deal about practical engineering, managing large technical projects, and how communication between teams is essential for success.
Viktor Hedvall – Chief Engineer
Viktor is a Mechanical Engineering graduate and is currently pursuing his master’s in Applied Mechanics and currently serves as Chief Engineer. He began his involvement in the Vehicle Dynamics team during the ER23 project working on designing the pedal box. He describes the experience of building a real race car as both challenging and rewarding. Through his work, Viktor has learned extensively about product development – from the initial concept to the finished parts installed in the car. His role has also given him valuable experience in leading technical teams, making data-driven design decisions and making continuous improvement throughout the project.
This Year’s Project – ER26
The ER26 car features a mid-mounted single motor with a limited slip differential and a brand-new battery pack. This year’s focus is on thorough documentation, rigorous testing, and continuous incremental improvements. All aimed at creating a car that is not only fast, but also reliable and meticulously engineered. If you want to learn more about the ER26 project, you can find information about the competitions and the car on our website.
Our main goals for the ER26 season are:
- To complete all dynamic and static events with full functionality.
- To achieve at least 400 points in one competition.
- To ensure every event is tested and verified at least twice before competing.
LiU Formula Student is more than just a technical project – it’s a place where students become professionals. With a strong leadership team and clear goals, we look forward to a year filled with learning, teamwork, and good times.
This was all for the first newsletter of the project, and we hope to see you in the next one where we will follow more of the technical teams during their progress working on the ER26 car.
LiU Formula Student – Where students become professionals.
AbOUT US
We are a student-run organization based in Linköping, Sweden, dedicated to designing and building a Formula Student car each year. After completing the car, we compete against other Formula Student teams from around the world.
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