December, 2009 

Throughout the month, the mechanical and energy storage teams have evaluated a series of different positions for the temporary battery modules using cardboard mockups. Once the configuration of the temporary rack was decided, the team began modelling it in the rear of the vehicle using Siemens NX. The final model's braces and mounting points were tested using FEA simulations to assure its integrity under extreme crash scenarios. The temporary rack utilizes the original rear seat, rear seatbelt, and battery box mounting points. Through the use of these points, the team will not leave any marks in the vehicle once the temporary rack system is removed and the seats are reinstalled for the final year of competition.

The controls team has concentrated on designing and building a the electric and control systems test bench. This bench will allow the team to test the batteries, electric motor, battery management system, traction inverter module, MotoTron, and high voltage system. Tests will be done at all load levels prior to installing the system into the vehicle. This will allow the team to work out most of the possible bugs that may emerge in this phase quickly and efficiently.

The mechanical team is currently in a more detailed designing stage and have worked on sourcing parts necessary for the drivetrain. They have been able to source a tripoid joing that will work with the S10 differential being implemented by our team. The motor mount design will need to be reviewed as the team has noticed that one of the 3 mounts is anchored directly to the chassis. If executed, this design would transmit undesirable vibrations to the cockpit therefore a new design is being reevaluated where all three mounting points are attached to the front cradle assembly. Work on the differential case is ongoing. The team has been able to source a tripod and is working on finding a set of gears to completing the design.