Safety Design Considerations
The image below is provided by SAE to aid teams in meeting the safety standards for impact protection. Many of the considerations are clarified by the image
Primary Considerations
- Structure - The main structure of the frame must be of 1" diameter steel tubing or equivalent material. If other material, like aluminum or composites are used, the team must show they have equivalent strenght.
- Rollover - The low center of gravity of the Formula SAE cars makes rollovers extremely rare, but they remain a concern. The main and front roll hoops give the driver 2 inches to spare, so even if they deform the driver will be protected.
- Side Impact - Typically the side impact protection consists of two parallel and one diagonal tube running alongside the cockpit. Monocoque structures must be shown to provide equivalent protection.
- Front Impact - The driver's feet must fit within the major structure of the frame. A crushable impact attentuator ahead of the this point helps reduce negative acceleration during crash.
- Driver Restraint - The restraint system must be 5 or 6 point. The seat should support the driver's body and the overall system should be ergonomic and not restrict movement excessively.
- Fire Protection - The driver must be isolated from the engine by a firewall. An onboard fire extinguisher system may be used for additional safety, and it's cost does not count against the team in the manufacturing event.