Case Study: UPBracing achieves a lightweight electric race car wheel carrier design with Cadence generative design software

UPBracing builds a 212 kg EV race car with Cadence

UPBracing, a student team from Paderborn University, faced the challenge of designing a completely new wheel carrier for their electric Formula Student race car. The new all-wheel-drive system, with a high-torque electric motor and planetary gear at each wheel, required a part with significantly higher stiffness and new attachment points, all while minimizing weight. To overcome this, they turned to Cadence and utilized its MSC Apex Generative Design software.

Using Cadence's generative design solution, the team efficiently created an optimized, manufacturable part. The process allowed for rapid iteration to achieve the necessary stiffness and was followed by simulation with Cadence's Simufact Additive to ensure the design was robust. The resulting lightweight wheel carrier contributed to a total car weight of only 212 kg, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.6 seconds and helping UPBracing secure fourth place at the Formula Student competition.

UPBracing