The goal of the powertrain is to move the car forward. In an internal combustion engine, this is accomplished by converting chemical energy stored in a combustible fuel source into mechanical energy. An internal combustion engine burns the fuel to create rotational energy. This is transmitted to the ground through the drivetrain. Should this be a system level analysis?

Engine

Main page: Engine

The engine is the center of the internal combustion powertrain system. All other components of the greater system exist to service the engine in different ways. This means the engine is sensitive to design changes made across the entire powertrain. As of 2019, the FSAE rules require an internal combustion engine with a displacement of 710cc or less. Available OEM motors within this displacement limit are largely sourced from motorcycles and snowmobiles.[citation needed]

Engine Control

Main page: Engine control

overview of engine control - system level, detail and design on main page

Intake

Main page: Intake

The intake system has a dominant effect on the torque curve and behavior of the powertrain system. All air used by the engine(s) for combustion must pass through a 20 mm or 19 mm opening for gasoline or E85 fueled vehicles respectively, commonly referred to as a 'restrictor'. For naturally aspirated engines, this restriction limits the maximum power output from the engine to about 120 hp [link restrictor calcs].

Exhaust

Main page: Exhaust

The exhaust system is designed to aid in the removal of burnt fuel and air from the engine. A sound limit is placed on the exhaust in competition.

Fuel

Main page: Fuel

Internal combustion engines can use a variety of fuels, the fuels available at US competitions are gasoline of octane ratings 93 and 100, and E85. No fuel additives can be used. Info on fuel itself and system design on main page.

Cooling

Main page: Cooling

More than 50% of energy used in combustion goes into heat. Heat is also generated by the turbulence of the air in the intake and cylinder, as well as friction from the engine's internals. A system is needed to keep the engine within it's operational temperature range. System details and design in main page.

Drivetrain

Main page: Drivetrain

A system is needed to transfer mechanical energy from the engine to the ground (are we including tires here? I always think a drivetrain discussion without talking about tires isnt complete -simon). System details and design are in main page.

System Testing

Chassis Dynamometer

Test Procedures

System Data and Data Collection

System Simulation

Multi-component model

Health and Safety

Fire Hazards

Best Practices

Advanced System Design

Traction Control

needs own page

Vibration reduction

own page?

Industrial Motors

not sure if anyone uses these, but they have special rules so warrant discussion i think

Theoretical Powertrain Designs

hydraulic awd?

custom engines?

energy recovery?

Notable History

Trends

four banger

rise of single

turbo

Notable Alternative designs

AWD teams

first turbo team?

V8 team - WWU and maybe another

Engine on side - ergo UTA 2018