Chassis

2009 Car

The Development

The championship winning car in 2008 used a prototype 3mm gauge specially made carbon fibre sheet. Our research suggested this carbon fibre would be up to six times stronger than steel. In 2007 we suffered greatly from the bending of an aluminium chassis. Although the carbon fibre will flex it will not bend, unfortunately it will snap causing critical damage. We therefore had to ensure that the carbon fibre was thick enough to withstand race damage. A second layer of carbon fibre forms a box section on the front half of the chassis dramatically improving the rigidity.

The next logical step is to increase the coverage of the box section to the whole car. This will prove difficult as there are essentially a lot of components in the way. We hope to incorporate the components into a moulded chassis, which when bolted to the body will essentially form a monocoque with increased torsional rigidity and increased strength. Our ultimate aim is to achieve a smooth flat bottom, which aerodynamically will 'suck' the car on to the road.

The chassis is to be made with the best possible arrangement of the internal components and this has been found by investigating the balance point of the chassis. By centralising the center of gravity on the chassis the car will retain its best possible handling characteristics. The addition of the new engine with the all new transmission arrangement will require some careful planning. Initially the placement of the exhaust appears to be the greatest challenge.

The arrangement of components on the chassis is also limited by the need for access. The plug is needed to start the engine, batteries may need to be replaced and the fuel tank will require access in between races.

Further improvements to the disc brake are planned to adapt the current break to the new transmission.

  

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