Yağız Balun

Stage Safety Officer & Stage Marshal

• Stage Safety Officer: Buharkent HillClimb (2025)
• Stage Marshal: Turkish Rally Championship: Aegean Marmaris Rally (2023, 2024, 2025)

Alumni & Technical Advisor of Solar Team Solaris

Served as an technical advisor, providing strategic guidance during race operations. Additionally, configurated and integrated an on-board data acquisition system to collect real-time track data for academic research.

Scrutineer & Volunteer

Participated in multiple operational phases of the event. Served as a mechanical scrutineer for technical compliance, acted as a dynamic test marshal for track safety, and took on operational duties at the charging bay.

Mechanical Team Leader of Solar Team Solaris

Handled the same mechanical leadership and pit box duties. Coordinated the team effectively during the race, which helped us achieve 3rd place in the overall general classification.

Mechanical Team Leader of Solar Team Solaris

Led the mechanical team during the European Solar Challenge. Was responsible for pit box operations, routine car maintenance, and coordinating with other technical departments to keep the car running smoothly on the track.

S11 Suspension Revision & Track Data Validation

The Challenge: Track Failure Under Time Pressure
During the final track tests in Izmir prior to the SASOL African Solar Challenge, the S11's upper A-arm suffered a structural failure after striking a specific track bump. With strict time constraints before the race, an immediate and reliable engineering intervention was required.

Simulation & Geometric Optimization
To replicate the failure conditions, I modeled the exact track anomaly in MSC ADAMS to extract the precise dynamic bump loads. Using ANSYS Static Structural, I identified the severe stress concentration at the fracture point. Without altering the original 7075-T6 Aluminum material, I structurally redesigned the component's geometry in SolidWorks to optimize stress distribution. The revised A-arm was manufactured and successfully endured the extreme conditions of the SASOL endurance race without any issues.

Empirical Track Validation
Driven to empirically validate the numerical simulation beyond just surviving the race, I initiated a physical testing phase for the subsequent Albi Eco Race. I instrumented the redesigned A-arm by applying a quarter-bridge strain gauge exactly at the previous failure hotspot. By configuring a custom data acquisition system, I successfully logged live dynamic stress data on the track, effectively closing the loop between Multibody Dynamics (MBD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and real-world telemetry.

S14 Suspension Kinematics R&D for Solar Electric Vehicle Suspension

The Challenge:
Engineered the double wishbone suspension kinematics for the S14 vehicle. The primary mechanical constraint was adapting the geometry to a reduced track width compared to the previous generation, while strictly maintaining the extreme energy conservation demands of endurance racing.

Kinematic Optimization:
Conducted extensive Multibody Dynamics (MBD) simulations in MSC ADAMS/Car. Iteratively tuned the suspension hardpoints to resolve the packaging constraints of the narrower track width, preventing aggressive angle variations during suspension articulation.

The Impact:
Successfully minimized bump steer (toe angle variance) and optimized dynamic camber across the full wheel travel. This geometric precision prevented tire scrubbing and drastically reduced rolling resistance, directly maximizing the vehicle's overall energetic efficiency.

Electric Hub Motor Bearing Life Assesment

The Research: Investigated the real-world service life of electric hub motor bearings for solar endurance racing. This study forms the basis of an academic paper currently under peer review for publication in a scientific journal.

Modeling & Track Validation: Mapped the Albi Eco Race circuit in OptimumLap to calculate theoretical velocity and acceleration profiles based on ISO 281 standards. Successfully synchronized a simulated lap with live GPS telemetry. Extracted real-world dynamic loads using strain gauges, utilizing MATLAB for advanced signal filtering and data processing.

Findings & Optimization: Processed telemetry revealed critical dynamic load spikes—primarily peak lateral forces occurring at corner apexes—that standard theoretical models failed to predict. To counter these loads while strictly maximizing vehicle efficiency, I proposed the implementation of hybrid ceramic bearings to significantly minimize rolling resistance and extend service life without weight penalties.

Wheel Hub Design & Efficiency Test Rig

Experimental Testing: Developed a custom drum test rig driven by a variable-speed motor. I empirically measured the dynamic power loss and rolling resistance of the wheel assembly.

Mechanical Optimization: The live power data proved that high internal friction was caused by the bearing's tight tolerances. I modified the existing hub by applying a slip-fit bearing tolerance, drastically reducing rolling resistance. To safely secure the slip-fit bearing in place, I engineered and integrated a custom mechanical retainer plate with suspension subgroup of Solar Team Solaris.

Strategic Pivot: Although we had already designed a completely new, lightweight hub from scratch, the test data drove a strategic decision. The slip-fit revision on the existing hub provided sufficient efficiency gains, rendering the costly manufacturing of the new design unnecessary. This data-driven pivot maximized vehicle energy conservation while strictly meeting project timeline and budget constraints.

EV Powertrain Simulation & Energy Management (Simulink)

Context: Developed as a comprehensive final project for the "Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology" course.

The Objective: Engineered a dynamic simulation model for a 4x4 electric mini-vehicle to analyze powertrain requirements and battery degradation characteristics under specific driving cycles provided in the course curriculum.

System Modeling: Built a comprehensive "flat-map" Simulink model integrating longitudinal vehicle dynamics (aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance) with a detailed electrical domain. The model processed SOC-dependent functions including Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) and Internal Resistance (R) to monitor real-time battery behavior.

Technical Analysis: Calculated critical performance metrics including motor torque/power demands, battery State of Charge (SOC) depletion, and voltage efficiency.

Regenerative Braking: Integrated a mathematical sub-model to evaluate the regenerative energy potential at the wheels, quantifying the energy recovery capabilities of the EV system during deceleration phases.

Structural Analysis of a 2D Truss System (ANSYS APDL)

Context: Developed as a high-fidelity final project for the "Introduction to Finite Element Method" course.

The Objective: Designed and analyzed a 2D truss carrier system to evaluate its structural integrity under static loading conditions, comparing numerical Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results with analytical hand calculations.

FEA Methodology: Utilized BEAM188 elements to construct the system's stiffness matrix. Defined precise material properties (E, ν) and cross-sectional geometries within the APDL environment. Applied boundary conditions and nodal forces to simulate real-world structural constraints.

Results & Validation: Performed a comprehensive analysis of nodal displacements and axial stresses. Successfully validated the numerical results against theoretical solutions, achieving high correlation in deformation patterns and ensuring the system's factor of safety within engineering limits.

6-DOF Modular Stewart Platform Prototype (BSc Senior Project)

Grant & Recognition: Secured the TÜBİTAK 2209-A National Research Grant (Project No: 1919B012304192) as the Project Team Leader.

Role & Leadership: Authored the comprehensive research proposal, managed the project budget, and directed a multi-disciplinary team through the full R&D lifecycle—from conceptualization to physical realization.

Kinematics & Control: Developed the complex inverse kinematics algorithms in MATLAB to define the platform's motion workspace. Modeled and simulated the control architecture in Simulink to ensure precise 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) trajectory tracking.

Execution: Led the complete mechanical design in SolidWorks, overseen the manufacturing of modular components, and executed the final assembly and system integration.

Mechanical Maintenance Engineer

Operational Excellence: Managed predictive and corrective maintenance strategies for high-volume automotive production lines, specifically focusing on the manufacturing of OEM oil pumps for global automotive leaders.

Efficiency Optimization: Spearheaded technical interventions to minimize machine downtime and enhance overall factory efficiency through data-driven troubleshooting.

Systems Management: Utilized ERP systems to track spare parts inventory, schedule maintenance cycles, and ensure seamless technical operations within a Tier-1 automotive supplier environment.

Machining & R&D Intern

• Gained hands-on experience in high-precision machining processes, including CNC programming (G-code) and technical drawing interpretation for heavy-duty crane components.
• Assisted in the development and testing phases of new mechanical assemblies, bridging the gap between theoretical design and shop-floor feasibility.

Experimental Validation of Service Life Prediction of Ball Bearings in Solar Radial Flux Hub Motors Using Real-Time Track Data

Role: Corresponding & First Author: Y. Balun | Co-Authors: B. Orhan, A. Gören (Supervisor)

Core Contribution: Developed a high-fidelity methodology to correlate theoretical ISO 281 standards with real-world dynamic load spikes. By synchronizing OptimumLap simulations with live GPS telemetry and MATLAB filtered strain-gauge data, the study identifies critical axial and lateral forces at corner apexes to optimize bearing selection.

Dynamic Load Validation of Solar Electric Vehicle Suspensions Using In-Race Telemetry

Role: Corresponding & First Author: Y. Balun | Co-Authors: M. Kip, M. İzci, A. Gören (Supervisor)

Core Contribution: Establishing an end-to-end validation loop for solar racing suspension systems. This research focuses on the transition from MSC ADAMS (MBD) and ANSYS (FEA) to empirical track validation, quantifying the variance between numerical stress predictions and actual in-race telemetry.

Composite Leaf Spring Applications on Solar Vehicle

Role: Formally acknowledged for technical contributions | Authors: G. D. Özdeniz, A. Gören

Contribution: Provided technical insights and engineering support for the integration and performance analysis of composite suspension elements in solar-powered racing vehicles.

CSWA: Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate – Mechanical Design

Validates expertise in 3D solid modeling, advanced assembly management, and industry-standard engineering drafting (GD&T).

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CSWA-S: Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate – Simulation

Validates professional proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) methodologies, including the assessment of Stress, Strain, and Factor of Safety (FoS).

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IELTS Academic

Achieved an Overall Band Score of 7.0.

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