From Concept to Race Car - PARA Formula Student Team - South Korea- 2026 Engineering Report

Part 2: From Concept to Race Car - PARA Formula Student 2026 Engineering Report

2026 Design Philosophy: Evolution over Revolution

Our formula student engineering goal for this year is "Performance Improvement based on Reliability."

The consecutive DNFs (Did Not Finish) in endurance races over the past two years have taught us a clear lesson: finishing the race is the priority.

Therefore, instead of attempting a "Revolution" by rebuilding everything from scratch, we chose "Evolution." We are utilising the proven chassis and powertrain data from last year’s car to eliminate failure points and ensure reliability. The resources saved from this strategy are being focused on implementing a Full Aero Package to maximise cornering performance.

Technical Highlights

Aerodynamics:

This is the biggest change for 2026. To achieve our target of a 9.7-second Skidpad run, we needed significant downforce.

Using Altair SimLab, we conducted extensive CFD simulations. We optimised a configuration consisting of a Front Wing, Rear Wing, and Side Diffusers. By utilising side diffusers instead of a complex under-tray, we balanced efficient downforce generation with manufacturing feasibility.

Chassis & Suspension:

This is not just a setting tweak. We re-engineered the suspension geometry and stiffness to handle the increased Target Cornering Force.

To support the added downforce, we reconfigured the overall stiffness balance. Specifically, we added an Anti-Roll Bar (ARB) to selectively increase roll stiffness. Our focus was to suppress body roll while maintaining steering feedback, creating "predictable handling" even at the limit.

Powertrain:

Our focus for the powertrain is "Reproducibility" and "Durability" rather than just peak power competition.

We optimised the radiator airflow path and coolant lines to maintain consistent thermal balance even under harsh endurance conditions. The intake system was optimised for target flow capability, with a redesigned restrictor and throttle body to improve response. For the exhaust, we reinforced the sealing structure to fundamentally solve the leakage issues experienced in previous competitions.

Simulation and Validation

As a student team with limited time and budget, we cannot afford to manufacture parts multiple times for testing. This is why we rely heavily on Virtual Validation.

We actively use Altair SimLab for both FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to ensure structural integrity and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for airflow analysis. Identifying and fixing issues during the design phase minimises trial and error during actual manufacturing.

Manufacturing

Once the design is finalised, the real work begins. Bringing 3D models into reality is always a challenging process.

Manufacturing Carbon Fibre (CFRP) aero parts is a new challenge for us this year. Without expensive autoclave equipment, we are using the Vacuum Bagging method to achieve the necessary strength. The repetitive process of lay-up and sanding to chase 0.1mm tolerances is where we truly learn the practical side of engineering.

Conclusion

We are students, still learning through trial and error. However, the process of facing unexpected problems and solving them is becoming PARA’s technical legacy.

We are now getting ready to leave the workshop and head to the track. This challenge would not be possible without our technical partners and mentors. We look forward to showing you PARA’s progress on the track.

제목: 설계에서 트랙까지: PARA 2026 엔지니어링 보고서

2026 설계 방향: 혁명(Revolution)보다는 진화(Evolution)

올해 PARA의 엔지니어링 목표는 "신뢰성을 바탕으로 한 성능 개선"입니다.

지난 2년간 겪은 연속된 내구 레이스 리타이어(DNF)는 우리에게 무엇보다 '완주'가 중요하다는 사실을 확인시켜 주었습니다.

그래서 올해는 무리하게 모든 것을 새로 만드는 대신, '진화'를 선택했습니다. 작년 차량에서 검증된 섀시와 파워트레인 데이터를 활용해 트러블을 줄이고 신뢰성을 확보하는 것이 우선입니다. 이렇게 아낀 개발 여력은 팀의 숙원이었던 풀 에어로 패키지(Full Aero Package) 도입에 집중하여 코너링 성능을 높이는 전략을 세웠습니다.

주요 기술적 변화 (Technical Highlights)

Aerodynamics:

올해 가장 큰 변화는 에어로다이내믹스입니다. 목표인 스키드패드 9.7초를 달성하기 위해 충분한 다운포스가 필요했습니다.

우리는 Altair SimLab을 활용해 CFD(전산유체역학) 시뮬레이션을 반복했습니다. 그 결과 프론트 윙, 리어 윙, 그리고 사이드 디퓨저의 조합을 찾아냈습니다. 제작 난이도가 높은 언더트레이 대신 사이드 디퓨저를 활용해, 현실적인 제작 범위 안에서 효율적인 다운포스를 만들도록 설계했습니다.

Chassis & Suspension:

단순한 세팅 변경이 아닙니다. 목표 코너링 포스(Target Cornering Force)가 높아짐에 따라 서스펜션 지오메트리와 강성을 전면 재설계했습니다.

늘어난 다운포스를 버티기 위해 전체적인 강성 밸런스를 다시 잡았고, 특히 안티롤바(Anti-roll bar)를 추가해 롤 강성을 높였습니다. 롤은 억제하면서도 드라이버가 느끼는 조향 감각은 유지하여, 한계 주행 상황에서도 '예측 가능한 움직임'을 만드는 데 집중했습니다.

Powertrain:

올해 파워트레인은 최대 출력 경쟁보다는 '재현성(Reproducibility)'과 '내구'에 초점을 맞췄습니다.

열 관리를 위해 라디에이터 유입 경로와 냉각수 라인을 정리해 가혹한 주행 환경에서도 일정한 온도를 유지하도록 했습니다. 흡기 시스템은 목표 유량에 맞춰 용적을 최적화하고, 리스트릭터와 스로틀 바디를 재설계해 응답성을 높였습니다. 배기 시스템은 지난 대회에서 겪은 누설 문제를 해결하기 위해 체결 구조와 밀봉을 강화했습니다.

시뮬레이션과 검증

비용과 시간이 한정적인 학생 팀 특성상, 실제 부품을 여러 번 만들어 테스트하기는 어렵습니다. 그래서 우리는 가상 검증(Virtual Validation) 과정을 중요하게 생각합니다.

Altair SimLab을 활용해 부품이 하중을 견디는지 확인하는 구조 해석(FEA)과 공기 흐름을 보는 유동 해석(CFD)을 수행하고 있습니다. 설계 단계에서 문제를 미리 찾아 수정함으로써, 실제 제작에서 발생할 수 있는 시행착오를 줄이고 있습니다.

제작 (Manufacturing)

설계가 끝나면 실제 제작에 들어갑니다. 모니터 속의 모델링을 현실로 만드는 과정은 늘 쉽지 않습니다.

특히 올해 처음 시도하는 카본 파이버(CFRP) 에어로 파츠 제작은 큰 도전이었습니다. 고가의 장비 대신 진공 펌프를 이용한 배깅(Vacuum Bagging) 방식을 사용해 필요한 강도를 확보하고 있습니다. 0.1mm의 오차를 잡기 위해 샌딩하고 적층하는 반복적인 작업을 통해, 설계한 성능을 구현하려 노력하고 있습니다.

맺음말

우리는 아직 배우는 학생들입니다. 때로는 실수하고, 예상치 못한 문제에 부딪히기도 합니다. 하지만 이런 문제들을 해결해 나가는 과정 자체가 PARA의 기술적 자산이 되고 있습니다.

이제 작업장(Workshop)을 떠나 트랙으로 나갈 준비를 하고 있습니다. 우리의 도전은 도움 주신 기술 파트너와 멘토분들이 계셨기에 가능했습니다. 트랙 위에서 달라진 PARA의 모습을 보여드리겠습니다.