Absorb the energy of a frontal impact before it reaches the driver.
A standard foam impact attenuator mounted forward of the front bulkhead through an anti-intrusion plate. Using the standard attenuator rather than a team-designed one removes the requirement to run and document a dynamic or quasi-static test.
No part-specific design process is documented. The Frame subsystem design process applies: 1. Kinematics supplies the pickup points and an LLTD range; the intersection of the frame-stiffness curve with that range sets the torsional stiffness target (CR26E: 1651 lb-ft/deg design target, from an LLTD target of 41.6% within a 39.5-42.5% range). 2. Model in SolidWorks 1D beam element FEA: couple moment across the front axle, rear upright points fixed, actuation geometry as trusses, representative engine tubes, displacement measured at the front upper pickup points. 0.5 in mesh spacing after a convergence study. 3. Physically test on the torsional stiffness jig: solid dampers installed, rear spindles fixed, front spindles on a pivot beam, weights hung at known distance. Historical FEA error 2.94% (CR22), 10.23% (CR25), 19.60% (CR26E). 4. Analyse each suspension tab for bearing stress and bending at its critical load case. 5. Weld in CNC-milled 6061 jigs with dowel pins; heat treat suspension nodes; FARO the finished frame.
Rules define the required energy absorption, the geometry and the anti-intrusion plate specification. Bolt-on rather than welded for cockpit serviceability.
Standard FSAE impact attenuator foam.
None recorded. This part has no entry in Knowledge_Transfer/Issue Logging/Fault Vault.xlsx, in either Issue Log.xlsx, in CR22/Issue Tracking/Shakedown 7-15-23.xlsx, or in any design review issue list found in CrimsonStorage or Box.
CAD mass, CR26E master assembly: 1.500 lb (0.680 kg). CG at X -4.43 in, Y 0.00 in, Z 10.34 in in vehicle coordinates. CAD mass, CR22 master assembly: 1.480 lb (0.671 kg). CG at X -4.45 in, Y 0.00 in, Z 10.24 in in vehicle coordinates. Source: SolidWorks mass model exports: CR22 (5 May 2024), CR25 (4 Jul 2025), CR26I (30 Jul 2025), CR26E (22 Mar 2026) Quantity per car, as costed: 1
Nothing in CrimsonStorage covers these yet.