After three solid years of Formula SAE competition, placing in the top 25, the Ryerson Formula SAE team was looking to make its mark at the 2005 competition in Michigan as well as at Formula Student in England with the goal of placing in the top 10 in Michigan and in the top 3 in England.
Early in the year, efforts were focused on research and design to improve the cars performance and the team’s design score (something that was lacking in previous years). One of the team’s key design goals was to reduce the weight of the vehicle from 535 lbs to 470 lbs while maintaining the stiffness, reliability and robustness of previous years. This was accomplished through a thorough redesign of almost every component of the car. The RF-05 weighed in at 473 pounds with no fuel at the competition in Michigan.
The car performed well during testing with the exception of a few minor hiccups in the fuel and cooling systems. These issues were dealt with and the team was set for the competition.
The team performed well in the first two days in Michigan; earning a 6th place spot in the Design event and a spot in the Design Semi-Finals for the first time in team history. During the first day of dynamic competition, however, the car was plagued by a mysterious lack of power which resulted in less than impressive acceleration times. Another setback was suffered in the autocross event when a 6th place time of 58.629s was posted by Dave Demarchi only to be bumped down to 49th due to a slight DOC. Not discouraged, the drivers pulled it together when it really counted, posting the 3rd fastest total time in the 22km endurance event, behind only the University of Washington and perennial favourite, Cornell University. This performance in the endurance event hoisted the RFSAE team into 10th place overall and the team’s best finish ever!
CAD Renderings of RF-05: Series 1
CAD Renderings of RF-05: Series 2
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| Engine |
| Type | Yamaha YZF-R6, aluminum block and heads, normally aspirated inline-4 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16 Valve |
| Displacement | 600cc |
| Bore & Stroke | 65.5 x 44.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.4:1 |
| HP | 75 HP @ 11,000 RPM |
| Torque | 44 lb – ft @ 7,500 RPM |
| Rev Limit | 12,500 RPM |
| Fuel Delivery | SDS multi-port fuel injection |
| Fuel | 94 Octane pump gas |
| Chassis |
| Layout | Mid engine / Rear drive |
| Body | Carbon Fibre |
| Frame | Carbon Fibre & Aluminum honeycomb / cro-moly space frame |
| Outboard Systems |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Harrison Billet 4 piston calipers & 220 mm rotors /
Harrison Billet 2 piston calipers & 220 mm rotors |
| Wheels | 13x6 - 3 piece modular Keizer Wheel |
| Tires (Dry/Wet) | Hoosier R25A 20 x 6 –R13 / Hoosier WET 20 x 6.5 – R13 |
| Steering | Titan 13” Rack |
| Turns (lock – lock) | 0.66 |
| Suspension |
| Front | Unequal length double A-arm, pullrod actuated Risse R5 4-way coilover shocks, adjustable anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Unequal length double A-arm, pushrod actuated Risse R5 4-way coilover shocks, adjustable anti-roll bar |
| Dimensions |
| Curb Weight | Est. 470 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (Front/Rear) | N/A |
| Track (Front/Rear) | 50"/48" |
| Drivetrain |
| Transmission | Close Ratio 5-speed |
| Shifter | Sequential push-pull |
| Differential | Torsen limitied-slip, aluminum housing |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.23:1 |
| Electrical |
| Engine Management | Yamaha Ignition Computer, SDS Fuel injection |
| Dash/Data Logging | AIM MyChron Gold |
