Raftar Formula Racing IIT Madras

Powertrain Systems
Recruitment 2017
Instructions :
Submit a PDF with the answers numbered according to the question.
Keep your answers brief and to the point
Attempt as many as possible accurately

Section A

1. Describe in brief what cam timing is? What are the different ways of achieving this and
what are the possible pros and cons of the same?
2. Compare the Ideal scenario for cam timing(draw a graph if you like) ? Now take into
account real factors that come into play and describe qualitatively how you would time
the cams (be clear on the first part of the question and then answer the second).
3. What is advanced sparkand retarded spark. Explain it in one line.Where would the
spark plug be typically placed? Is it at the centre of cylinder head or somewhere else?
Explain in brief about the positioning.

Fig : A sample C
amshaft Timing Graph
(ignore the Briggs valves<jagged lines>)
 Section B

1. What are the main components to be designed in a water cooled cooling system? Given
an engine with a stroke to bore ratio X and another with stroke to bore ratio Y (Y>X)
which engine do you expect to have a higher heat output/load (Analyse the basic
Thermodynamic Cycle : Air Standard Otto Cycle and comment on the question)?
<Assume identical external environment for engines>

2. Challenges in radiator design include efficient but smart packaging of the radiator on the
car itself. Given a fixed cross-sectional area for packing how would you place a radiator
so as to optimize cooling? Can some other part of the car aid your design? <Have a look
at bikes and cars; online pics of FSAE cars and see the RFR-17 itself if you like for an
idea and compare what you observe.>

3. <Bonus Question>Where would you manufacture a radiator in Chennai?

Fig : A Sample FSAE Radiator

Section C

1. i)FSAE rules restrict the loudness to be 110 decibels at piston speed of 914.4ft per
minute. A muffler is used to achieve that. What are the different ways by which
loudness is reduced in the muffler?
ii) What do you think would be the difference between a muffler used in FSAE cars and
road cars?