This document outlines the objectives, rules, procedures, and scoring for the Acceleration
Test round of the vehicle competition. The test is designed to evaluate the straight-line
acceleration capabilities of the karts, a critical performance metric for competitive vehicle
design.
The primary objective of the Acceleration Test is to precisely measure the straight-line
acceleration performance of each vehicle. This is achieved by recording the time taken for
the kart to cover a fixed distance from a standing start.
• Drivers must wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) including helmet, racing
suit, gloves, and appropriate footwear.
• All safety harnesses and restraints must be securely fastened prior to the run.
1. Acceleration Prediction Accuracy
• A hybrid model combining clustering and deep learning (e.g., LSTM, GRU) can
predict vehicle acceleration more accurately than traditional methods. Clustering
data based on driving patterns (e.g., speed, distance to preceding vehicles) allows
tailored models for each scenario, reducing prediction errors (measured by RMSE
and MAE) 4.
• For example, the proposed hybrid method in the study improved accuracy by
grouping similar acceleration patterns and applying optimal neural networks to
each cluster 4.
2. Lateral Acceleration and Handling
• In dynamic scenarios like cornering, lateral acceleration (measured via GNSS/INS
sensors) is critical. Superior vehicles maintain stable lateral acceleration (with low
RMSE, e.g., 0.022 g) during turns, ensuring cargo safety and driver control 9.
• The turning radius (5–70 m) and speed also influence performance, with models
validating these parameters for stability 9.
3. Real-World Testing and Durability
• Accelerated life testing evaluates how vehicles endure repeated acceleration cycles
under extreme conditions, simulating long-term wear. Superior vehicles
demonstrate consistent performance without degradation in durability tests 14.
• Standardized tests (e.g., braking, handling) further validate acceleration superiority
in varied terrains 14.
4. Data-Driven Adaptability
• Vehicles leveraging sensor data (e.g., NGSIM dataset) and adaptive algorithms
(e.g., RBF-NN) can adjust acceleration in real-time for traffic conditions,
outperforming fixed-parameter models 49.
5. Comparative Metrics
• Direct comparisons with benchmarks (e.g., unclustered LSTM/GRU models)
highlight superiority. For instance, clustered models reduced prediction errors by
up to 15% in experiments 4.
Track Setup and Staging
• Vehicles will accelerate over a precisely measured distance of 75 metres on a flat, level
surface.
• The foremost part of the vehicle, typically the nose cone, must be positioned exactly
behind the starting line prior to the start signal.
Timing and Measurement
The official time for the acceleration run will be measured from the moment the vehicle
begins to move until it crosses the 75-metre finish line. Automated timing systems are
Vehicle Categories and Runs
Separate competition rounds are conducted for different vehicle powertrains to ensure fair
comparison:
• Combustion Vehicles
• Hybrid Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• Each team is allocated a total of four runs. These runs must be split between two
designated drivers, with each driver completing two runs.
• Distance Completion
• The timing concludes when the kart's front wheels cross the finish line, precisely
75 metres from the start. The driver should maintain control and safely brake
after crossing the finish line.
• Recovery Area
• After completing the run, the driver must proceed to the designated recovery
area, maintaining a safe speed, where the kart will be collected by team
members.
• Awards and Recognition
• The "Best Acceleration Award" will be presented independently for the top-
performing Electric Vehicle and the top-performing Combustion Vehicle,
acknowledging excellence in each distinct powertrain category .
•
• The acceleration score is based upon the corrected elapsed time. Elapsed time
will be measured from the time the vehicle crosses the starting line until it
crosses the finish line
•
•
•
•
•
• The Acceleration Test takes place on a straight, flat track designed to minimise
external variables and provide a true measure of the vehicle's propulsive
capabilities. Understanding the track layout is crucial for drivers to prepare and
execute their run effectively.
•
The track length is precisely measured at 75 metres from the start timing gate to
the finish timing gate. The track width is sufficient to allow for minor steering
corrections without risk of exceeding track limits. Clear markings and cones
delineate the course, ensuring drivers maintain a true straight line. Timing
sensors are strategically placed at the start and finish to capture highly accurate
performance data.
• Scope: This includes all cones on the course, specifically those defining the entry
and exit gates of sections.
• Penalty Application: A two (2) second penalty is added for each DOO instance that
occurs during a run. This cumulative addition significantly impacts the corrected
elapsed time.
• Impact: Even minor contact can lead to a penalty, making precision driving
paramount. Drivers must aim for clean lines and controlled vehicle dynamics to
avoid cone infringements.
•
• Circumstances: This can arise from a variety of situations, such as failing to start
within the allotted time, exiting the course boundaries, or an irreparable
mechanical failure during a run that prevents completion.
• Consequence: A DNA typically results in the run being unscored or receiving the
maximum possible penalty time, effectively disqualifying that particular attempt
from competitive consideration.
• Strategic Consideration: While not a time penalty in itself, DNA means zero
points or a maximum time for that specific run, highlighting the importance of
vehicle reliability and driver preparedness.
The superiority of a vehicle in an acceleration test is determined by:
1. Performance Metrics – Quicker acceleration times (0-60 mph, 0-100 km/h) and
higher peak acceleration (measured in g-forces).
2. Stability & Control – Minimal wheel slip, effective traction control, and balanced
lateral acceleration during dynamic maneuvers.
3. Prediction & Adaptability – Advanced AI/ML models (e.g., LSTM, GRU)
improve real-time acceleration response by analyzing driving patterns.
4. Durability – Consistent performance in repeated acceleration cycles without
degradation (validated via accelerated life testing).
A superior vehicle excels in raw speed, precision handling, and intelligent
adaptability, ensuring optimal performance in both controlled tests and real-world
conditions.
