Formula Electric Berkeley

As Aerodynamics Lead for Formula Electric Berkeley, I led a 20-member team in the complete design, analysis, and manufacturing of a carbon fiber aerodynamic package for our Formula SAE Electric vehicle. This role required balancing team leadership, technical engineering, and hands-on manufacturing.

The aerodynamic package development involved extensive computational analysis and iterative design. I optimized over 14 different aerodynamic models using advanced CAD software, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations in ANSYS Fluent, and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to validate structural integrity. This comprehensive approach ensured our designs would perform as expected while meeting the stringent weight and safety requirements of Formula SAE competition.

Through systematic optimization and testing, the final aerodynamic package achieved a 10% improvement in overall vehicle performance metrics, including increased downforce and reduced drag. Perhaps equally impressive was the reduction in development timelines by one month compared to previous years, achieved through better simulation workflows and team coordination.

The project required coordinating with other subsystem teams including chassis, powertrain, and suspension to ensure proper integration. I also managed the manufacturing process for carbon fiber components, including layup schedules, quality control, and final assembly. This experience provided invaluable lessons in technical leadership, project management, and the practical challenges of bringing advanced engineering designs from computer to reality.