Official Questions and Answers

Date	Official	Regulation
2008-01-23 17:44:48	YES	5.8
Question: The rules state that the battery cover must be composed of the same material as the rest of the battery enclosure. We are using a fiberglass-nomex composite structure for the battery enclosure. Would we have the option of using a fiberglass only battery cover? Or does the cover need to be made of the same composite structure?
Answer: (show/hide)
The cover should be the same construction as the rest of the box.

2008-01-25 16:46:48	YES	5.7.A.4
Question: Andrew, We are using a very high number of lithium prismatic cells for our battery system. The rules mandate a 30kg maximum battery mass. To determine the overall mass of our pack for regulation purposes, are we allowed to use datasheet values for cell mass, or will we be required to serialize, mass and sum each individual cell? Thanks, Samuel Lenius University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project
Answer: (show/hide)
We use the datasheet mass, but will require some sample cells to validate the cells you are using match the datasheet.

2008-01-30 00:15:19	YES	6.12
Question: "Solar cars must have a balanced, co-reactive, dual braking system so that if one system should fail, the solar car can still be stopped. The two systems must be operationally independent" I was wondering if the Dual-Master-Cylinder is considered as two independent systems, or if we do have to install two separate master cylinders. Thank you. Mohanad B.
Answer: (show/hide)
Dual master cylinders are acceptable.

2008-02-18 22:09:50	YES	6.7.A/B
Question: Regulations 6.7.A/B state that all bolts in the battery box systems must be secured with safety wire or cotter pins. Does this include bolts whose sole purpose is to provide electrical contact between conductors and which do not provide mechanical support of any components?
Answer: (show/hide)
We don't require safety wire or cotter pins on non-structural bolts, such as the electrical contacts in the battery pack. It could be dangerous having bolts come off in the battery pack, so you should consider using loc-tite, nylock bolts or other methods of securing them.

2008-02-18 22:14:53	YES	5.3/4
Question: Regulations 5.3/4 restrict reconfiguration of the solar array. Does this apply to electrical configuration--specifically the use parallel/series connections--or mechanical configurations only?
Answer: (show/hide)
The regulation applies to mechanical configuration.

2008-02-18 22:31:58	YES	7.22B
Question: In the event of a team completing a stage within one day (probably feasible for stages 1 and 3), is the battery pack released from the stage impound the same day for an evening charge session or is the battery only released the evening preceding the start of the next stage?
Answer: (show/hide)
If a team finishes a stage on the first day, the pack would be released for charging the first evening, and again in the morning of the 2nd day. The pack would be re-impounded at the official start time on the morning of day 2 and released in the evening of day 2.

2008-02-20 13:20:42	YES	A.13
Question: Is the 1.5m left to right separation for the lights measured from the outermost or innermost part of the lights assembly? If half of the lights is within regulation and half is not, is the team penalized for the combined length of the part outside regulation? I presume that wider lights would allow for better visibility and therefore better safety, and am concerned if this regulation implies that teams must use narrower lights to avoid the 1.5m central zone and therefore avoid penalty.
Answer: (show/hide)
We will measure from the centers of the lights.

2008-02-28 11:41:57	YES	5.7.B.2
Question: This regulation says that over current protection must be in place down to the module level. If the modules are in series, is it required to have a current sensor on the series string next to each module or will one current sensor in the series string be enough?
Answer: (show/hide)
You must measure the current in each module. If several modules are in series (with no parallel connections to other modules), and must have the same current through them, one sensor for the string is acceptable.

2008-03-10 16:31:40	YES
Question: How visible does the license plate on the car need to be, and can it be slightly bent to fit in the proper location?
Answer: (show/hide)
NASC regulations don't specifically require a license plate, though they may be required by your state/province licensing and registration authority.

2008-03-15 04:12:37	YES	6.7.B
Question: Hello! I have a question as to the scope of regulation 6.7.B. Here is a excerpt from the regulations: "6.7.A Bolts Bolts used in the steering, braking, suspension, seat mounts, safety harness, drive train, and battery box systems must at minimum meet SAE grade 5, metric grade M 8.8 and/or AN/MS specifications. Bolts must be of the correct length, and extend at least two threads beyond the nut. Bolts in tension must not have shaved or cut heads. 6.7.B Securing of Bolts The bolts described above 6.7.A must be secured from unintentional loosening by safety wire or cotter pins. In other areas, Inspectors may allow Loctite, nylon lock nuts, or other means deemed appropriate. Lockwashers may not be used." So my question is, do fasteners that hold non-moving parts (e.g. brake pedal master cylinder bolts, steering column guide bolts, etc) still fall under the requirement for cotter pins/safety wires? The reason why I ask is because it seems slightly excessive to pin 8-32 screws (or smaller) that hold non-moving, non-pivoting parts. (I mean non-moving parts as to mean that the two parts that the screw holds together do not move in relation to one another and do not move in relation to the screw itself). I understand and completely agree with the need to pin moving joints/parts (e.g. front suspension members like A-arms, shocks,etc.), but I'm slightly puzzled about other components. If you can help clarify this matter, we would greatly appreciate it! Thank you! Hai-Yue Han, OSUSVT Co-Captain
Answer: (show/hide)
Vibration can cause bolts to loosen, even if the parts don't move. Fasteners holding non-moving parts are still subject to 6.7.A and 6.7.B. As stated in 6.7.B, inspectors may allow other methods if they are suitable for the situation. Please include any requests to use loctite, nylocks ect in your mechanical report or other correspondence with the mechanical inspector.

2008-03-19 06:28:17	YES	6.2
Question: Hello, is there a official list of tires that are approved ? StructuralReportInformations: <> Example Michelin: Do we have to analyze the tires, or can we refer to the Max. Load declared on the tire ? Could you please confirm if these tires are allowed: Michelin Radial 65/80R16 Dunlop Solarmax D850 2.25-16 Are slick tyres (as the Michelin) generally allowed ? (As long as we won
Answer: (show/hide)
There isn't a list of officially approved tires. We would like you to provide specification sheets for the tires, and will check the weight on the tire is within specification.

2008-03-28 12:36:47	YES	5.10
Question: Regulation 5.10 states the use of a manually operated single throw switch (paragraph 1). In paragraph 2 it implies that a relay may be used. Can we use two small single throw swtches wired in series for the driver and external power cut off that control a large normally open relay (or relays). Either switch when activated would open the relays. Or, must the switch itself rather than the relay carry the full current load.
Answer: (show/hide)
Using small switches in series to control one normally-open relay acceptable.

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