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.

[note: should create page for each subsystem so this page doesn't end up miles long]

Components:

• Intake
  • supercharging/turbocharging
• Engine
  • Basic ICE theory
  • Goals for engine in FS context -reliability, efficiency, power
  • Common engines
  • Best Practices
• Engine Control
  • Theory - spark, fuel control
    
    • passive v active (wasted spark and carbs v PFI/DFI and spark control)
  • Tuning
    • alpha-n
    • common ecus
  • Custom cams
• Fuel
  • Basic stoich, LBT, lambda, octane and other jargon
  • Charge mixing [put this here or in intake??]
  • fuels avaiable at comp
  • fuel strategies
  • efficiency discussion here?
    • consumption v thermal efficiency, BSFC
  • Cooling
  • Exhaust
  • Drivetrain
    • Gearing
    • transmission (chain/sprocket, gear, or direct drive)
    • differentials
    • tires?
  • other powertrain stuff:
    • traction control
    • vibration
    • engine as a stressed structural component
    • health and safety
    • testing
      • dynomometer
      • DIL
    • Simulation
    • History/trends in the competition

[Currently just an outline, i don't think having the rules/restrictions is the best thing to put in these spots]

Engine:

Main page here: [[1]]. 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.

Intake

All air used by the engine(s) for combustion must pass through a 25mm opening, commonly referred to as a 'restrictor'. For naturally aspirated engines, this restriction limits the maximum power output from the engine to about 100 hp.

Exhaust

The competition rules limit sound output of the engine.

Fuel

The fuels available at US competitions are gasoline of octane ratings 93 and 100, and E85.