Engineering students gain real-world experience by designing Formula Student race car
Twenty-five University of Hertfordshire automotive and motorsport engineering students have gained hands-on industry experience by designing, building and testing a single-seater Formula Student race car as part of one of the world's leading engineering competitions.
The annual Formula Student competition, organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and culminating at Silverstone, gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to a live engineering project while developing the practical and professional skills sought by employers across the automotive and motorsport sectors.
The predominantly third-year students designed and built an electric race car, with the project forming part of their major degree work for some. Alongside engineering the vehicle, they tackled every stage of the development process, including design, manufacturing, testing, cost analysis, business planning and technical presentations before industry judges.
Dr Howard Ash, Head of Automotive at the University of Hertfordshire, knows first-hand the value of the competition, having competed at the UK’s first Formula Student event as a student in 1998.
He said: "Formula Student is one of the most effective forms of experiential learning in engineering. It allows students to apply classroom theory to the design, build, testing and competition of a real race car, while developing both technical and professional skills that are highly valued by industry.
"Students learn far more than vehicle design. They work in multidisciplinary teams, solve real engineering problems, manage budgets, present to industry experts and experience the same challenges they will encounter in their careers.
"The technology behind the cars has fundamentally changed since I took part as a student myself. The cars are more complex, the rule book is much larger and the skills required have expanded, but the commitment, camaraderie and sense of achievement haven't changed.
"Competing at Silverstone is a real honour. It gives students the chance to meet engineers, judges and employers from across the automotive industry, creating valuable opportunities for placements and graduate careers."
Formula Student brings together a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical and automotive engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, software and computer science, aerodynamics, manufacturing, business and project management.
The University of Hertfordshire has played an important role in the development of Formula Student in the UK, and many of its graduates have gone on to careers throughout the motorsport industry, including Formula One teams.
For the students involved, the project provides far more than a race weekend. It develops the technical knowledge, commercial awareness and teamwork needed to become the next generation of automotive engineers.