What's coming up?
- Sunday 14th - Leon Nolan Memorial Hillclimb - 2 Lap Event Hillclimb to 14th june
Tuesday 30th Jun - Defence & Industry Event to 3rd July
Welcome
Welcome to the home of ACME Racing at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Design and planning for the 2009 season is well underway and it looks like it's going to be an exciting year. Check out the latest newsletter within the newsletter section or maybe look at ACME Racing in action within the media section.
News & Announcements
WS-02 Shakedown - 22nd Jun 2009
Submitted by Evan McCloy 22 Jun 09
After more than 6 months, plenty of long hours and quite a few learning experiences, WS02 moved under its own power today for the first time since it received a thorough rebuild.
AVM (Ret'd) Brian Weston, the team's driving instructor, was again called out at short notice for shakedown duties. Brian has probably had more time behind the wheel of ACME Racing's cars than any other team member, and has driven every car from WS01 to WS04 (and no doubt WS09, when it is completed in a few month's time). There were a few issues that only came to light after a number of laps, and these will quickly be rectified before any driver training starts.
I would like to thank the team members from taking time away from exams and study to assist in getting the car prepped and ready for Brian, and I hope that we will be able to invite supporters down for a drive in the not-so-distant future!
WS-09 Progress Update- 30th May 2009
Submitted by Matthew Chapman 02 Jun 09
Saturday 30 May once again saw a busy day of construction in the ACME racing workshop. This time the focus was on three main areas of the car. Continuation work was done on the chassis with three bulkheads in place on the jig and joining members well on the way to being in place.
Sheet metal weldments were being constructed for the new beam suspension. This gave some of our younger members an opportunity to learn more about working with sheet metal which is an art in its self, needless to say some parts were made multiple times before the desired quality was achieved, there is no “she’ll be right at ACME Racing”.
The final work done on WS09 for the day was some more CAD integration, focussing mainly on the electronics packaging and location, the developments for the day should provide a neat integrated electronics module that is easy to maintain.
In addition to the work done on WS09, work on WS02 (WS ‘o’ New) was continued with the gear shift system reinstalled bringing it ever closer to completion.
WS-09 Progress Update- 29th May 2009
Submitted by Evan McCloy 29 May 09
Design and construction of WS09 is well underway, with the team really getting involved with the workshop day last Saturday. A significant amount of the design has been finalised, with construction drawings stacked a mile high waiting for the team to get stuck in. Our billet sump plate is complete and ready to be manufactured by sponsor TAE, which will assist in completing constructing of the chassis.
We are still on track for producing a rolling chassis earlier than previous years, thanks to more time spent integrating the design before construction began, as well as simplified construction methods that will save time and money.
TAE Confirms Silver Sponsorship - 15th May 2009
Submitted by Alex Burns 15 May 09
ACME Racing warmly welcomes a new sponsor to its ranks with TAE Australia signing on as a Silver In-Kind sponsor, excitedly providing high quality fabrication support to the team. We look forward to working with David Balassa and his team in creating some impressive pieces for WS09.
http://www.tae.com.au/
As one of Australia’s leading aerospace engineering service companies, TAE offers a comprehensive and integrated range of design, engineering, maintenance, condition monitoring, manufacturing and repair solutions to the aviation industry.
May Newsletter Now Available - 15th May 2009
Submitted by Alex Burns 15 May 09
This month’s exciting edition of Balance contains articles about....
- Avalon International Air Show
- The starting of WS02
- Body work update
- Workshop training ; and
- A team member profile
Check it out now - May - click here to view the edition
Intake Design Nearing Completion - 12th May 2009
Submitted by John-paul Thorbjornsen 12 May 09
Work is continuing on the Induction System for the 2009 UNSW@ADFA FSAE racecar. The plenum and runners have been finalised, and the necessary components for the throttle system have been added.
We are at a point now where we are in discussion with Envizage, one of our loyal ongoing sponsors. We take advantage of their great experience in the area of rapid prototyping components. A big thanks to Craig and Tom for all their help to date.
The finalized product incorporates all of the original design criteria:
- Equal Length Runners
- Individualized airflow
- Bellmouths
- Optimized Restrictor
- Small, strong and light enough to fit in space envelope
- Smooth Aerodynamics
Catia Modelling- 8th May 2009
Submitted by Brennan Farrell 12 May 09
To enhance the packaging element of design, I modelled the mechanical water pump for the GSXR600 engine. This will allow us to design the mounts for the accusump and to plan the plumbing for the cooling system, which will reduce the weight and complexity of the car. By allowing the newer members of the team to model components of the car, the team is increasing its skill in CAD modelling.
Turning - 6th May 2009
Submitted by Paul Gardener 12 May 09
Alistair Weir and I are continuing our training on the lathe available to us in the student workshop. Under the expert supervision of Marcos de Almeida we have finished our first manufactured part for the car. The benefit of this system is that the parts that we are manufacturing in our training are parts for this year's car, WS 09. Furthermore our proficiency is close to the stage where we can work independently and without constant supervision. This means that more manufacturing can take place in the workshop, increasing efficiency and enabling the team to use more than one machine at a time.
Top Fuel Drags - 3rd May 2009
Submitted by Brennan Farrell 12 May 09
On Sunday, 03 May 09, three members of the ACME Racing team travelled to the Western Sydney International Dragway in Eastern Creek to gain a wider appreciation of motor sport and to greater expose the team to the motorsport community. The members watched many events including the Top Fuel Racers, Top Ethanol Racers, Top Slammers, Top Fuel motorbikes and many more. They also had the opportunity to talk to many racing teams and companies.
Workshop Training Day – 18th April 2009
Submitted by Jake Weeks 20 April 09
As part of our programme to create a spirit of “engineering excellence” within the team, this Saturday was spent instructing members on workshop practices and processes. The team found the instruction very beneficial and rewarding. We also got to work on WS02 to finalise its reconditioning processes. The new members are now eager not only to have a new set of skills to call upon, but can also get involved with the rest of the team in construction. After our first workshop weekend the team is excited as WS02 is nearing completion and as we get closer to furthering WS09.
WS 02 Overhaul Update - Engine Started – 8th April 2009
Submitted by Thomas Budd, Alex Burns 17 April 09
At around 10 am on the 8th April, WS-02 officially spluttered into life for the first time in over 6 months. This is a major milestone for the team because it means that we can put the finishing touches to the car and ensure its all back together so the team can start driver training by mid-May.
Another important feature of the rebuild of WS-02 is the addition of new concepts that will hopefully prove to be worth integrating into this year’s car, WS-09.
First Pieces of WS 09 Cut – 7th April 2009
Submitted by Thomas Budd, Alex Burns 09 April 09
Under watchful direction of the workshop staff, first year cadets (new members to the team) set about cutting out the first pieces of the chassis for WS09. Now that the chassis team has a firm grasp on the required skills they will continue to cut out the rest of the chassis out. It is envisaged that construction will continue at the same pace, with welding to get underway soon.
Vehicle Dynamics Practical "Go Karting" – 4th April 2009
Submitted by Thomas Budd, Alex Burns 06 April 09
To build on the concepts of the theory classes and for a bit of fun the team head out to the local Go Karts for a bit of practical vehicle dynamics. Although simple, the karts represented some of the theory covered in the previous days classes and was a good chance for the new team members to get to know some of the existing members. The day was enjoyed by all.
Vehicle Dynamics Theory Classes – 4th April 2009
To increase the team’s baseline Vehicle Dynamics knowledge, the chief engineer Michael Olsen took the team through relevant concepts of car design and control. These classes are part of ACME strive for excellence in engineering. It is hoped that giving the entire team a solid foundation will aid in integration and optimisation of this year’s car. New and old team members found the lessons very informative and worthwhile. This is the first set of classes of an expanding team development package.
Submitted by Alex Burns 28 March 09
Design Consolidation Meeting – 28th March 2009
Key design members gathered at the workshop to discuss the finalisation of the designs for many aspects of the car. The air intake, final drive and accusump were some of the main areas of focus. The designs are shaping up well and designs have moved leaps and bounds ahead, the meeting also allowed for design team members to consolidate and work on the effective integration the cars systems holistically.
Submitted by Alex Burns 22 March 09
Shannon's Wheels Car Show - 22nd March 2009
Shannon’s Wheels car show gives ACME Racing an opportunity to meet and greet the local car enthusiasts, and show them what our engineering project is all about. We set up in front of the SDMA Hill climb stand. The SDMA team has supported the project for many years, with Midshipmen and Officer Cadets often taking part in the hill climb events to hone their drive skills, a big thank you to the SDMA team. The car drew a lot of attention standing out from other “normal cars”.
A more detailed article will follow soon in the April edition of balance. Check the newsletter section soon for more information.
Avalon Air Show - 2009
We would like to thank all our current sponsors for their keen interest in the team’s progress and support for the coming year. It was great to have the opportunity to discuss our plans for the year and share the enthusiasm, excitement and knowledge that we have for the project.
The team spent the duration of the trade days talking to current and potential sponsors alike, with some very positive interest from new sponsors soon to come onboard with the team.
A more detailed article will follow soon in the April edition of balance. Check the newsletter section soon for more information.
Submitted by Alex Burns 05 March 09
2009’s Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunity Now Released
The 2009 Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunity has just been released hot off the press. So whether you are a current sponsor, potential sponsor or just interested in seeing another dimension of the ACME Racing team, make your way to the sponsor page to download the new package.
New Edition of Balance Newsletter - March 2009
The first edition of ACME Racings “Balance” newsletter is available for download from the newsletter page of the website. So get clicking.
Submitted by Alex Burns 01 March 09
Member Recruiting a Hit - 26 February
Thursday Night saw an excellent expression of interest to join ACME Racing team. On display were WS04 and the ACME Driving Simulator which drew in the masses. Talking to the new recruits, they are excited to get underway and start working on the car. Moreover, the more members in the team, the more members that are able to benefit from the experience.
Coming 10th to 15th March - "Avalon Airshow"
Come along and meet the team, this is you opportunity to chat to team members and discuss their involvement within the team and what it is we do. ACME Racing’s WS04 shall be making the journey down for the exhibition, providing you with the chance to get up close and personal with one of our revolutionary cars.
Moreover, ACME Racing will be seeking to engage in discussions with industry members with regards to the great sponsorship opportunities that we have on offer this year. If you are interested and can’t wait until then check out the “contact us” tab at the top of the page.
Avalon Air Shows Official Website:www.airshow.net.au