Senior Design Structure

[Moody]

This topic has been visited before, but I'd like to ask a new question about it and get you guys' reactions:

For those schools out there who use some aspect of FSAE as senior design, how is it typically structured? One or two semester total? One semester design/one semester fab? I know that many schools have a single, two-semester final design course, and I'm assuming that FSAE at those schools is headed up by those seniors. We here at UA have two capstone design projects, first semester and second semester senior design - FSAE is limited to 2nd semester, which puts us in a bind, because we have 4 guys working design & construction in the fall, and the same thing (differnt people) in the spring ... we simply attempt to divide the vehicle between Rolling Chassis in the fall, and Controls/Drivetrain in the spring.

This has been a point of contention for the past year or two, because I believe it hinders (although not prevents) our ability to produce a well-integrated car, and it's become more & more evident as we've been compiling the design report. Just wanted to see what anyone had to say about that =-/

- matt

[Moody]

This topic has been visited before, but I'd like to ask a new question about it and get you guys' reactions:

For those schools out there who use some aspect of FSAE as senior design, how is it typically structured? One or two semester total? One semester design/one semester fab? I know that many schools have a single, two-semester final design course, and I'm assuming that FSAE at those schools is headed up by those seniors. We here at UA have two capstone design projects, first semester and second semester senior design - FSAE is limited to 2nd semester, which puts us in a bind, because we have 4 guys working design & construction in the fall, and the same thing (differnt people) in the spring ... we simply attempt to divide the vehicle between Rolling Chassis in the fall, and Controls/Drivetrain in the spring.

This has been a point of contention for the past year or two, because I believe it hinders (although not prevents) our ability to produce a well-integrated car, and it's become more & more evident as we've been compiling the design report. Just wanted to see what anyone had to say about that =-/

- matt

[UofArizonaECE]

Senior Capstone is divided into 2 classes at the UofArizona. But, work can be done at any pace. The problem we have noticed, like you, is that most of the design is done in the first semester, and prototypes/fabrication don't come till the second semester. Our team goal has been to have a drivable car in January, so this puts a large push on the senior design component, the formula members are done with their prototype before the rest of the class has proposed a design. We are working with the departments to change the format of the class. instead of a few small groups, we will just have people join the team and work within the team. We also have the option to have people start in the spring with design, work throughout the summer, and build in the fall. (for those who graduate in Dec.)

We are also considering moving the Senior Design groups to a more R/D group. Where we do more theoretical and advanced stuff and add it too the cars after acouple of years of iteration.

It is a problem to do the design report, when you don't know if the student designed component is going to beat the stock one that is currently working.

Jon
UofA ECE and Static Event Director