Suspension

We have adopted the unique Serlby Park suspension system again this season but we are currently working on using lighter materials rather than the existing steel.

We have developed a unique independent rear suspension unit contained within the wheel itself. The phosphor bronze bearings have been produced 'in house'. The new suspension was fitted to our prototype chassis for the final car, this is to allow us to experiment with the placement of the components. It is now painted and fitted to the carbon fibre race chassis.

The rear axle is to be driven using a belt from the engine to a differential. The differential is mounted on bearings from which drive shafts connect to the independent suspension mounted in the wheels. The shafts have ball joints which allow the wheel to move up and down while not impeding the drive of the engine to the rear wheels.

A lubricant has been added to the phosphor bronze bearings to reduce friction and extend life (thanks to Esterchem). To avoid fluid friction (a thick oil stopping movement) a low viscosity fluid was selected, approximately 32cSt (ISO 32). Conventional lubricants could not be used as they are manufactured from mineral oil which contains sulphur. Many sulphur based extreme pressure additives like ZDDP's are added to lubricants to improve performance. Unfortunately sulphur additives react with yellow metals to form sticky black deposits, which themselves cause friction.

To lubricate the bearings while avoiding these black deposits an ester based on a synthetic alcohol and a C12/C14 saturated fatty acid was used. This fluid was obtained from Esterchem Chemicals and is commercially known as TMP Cocoate. The TMP alcohol provides a liquid ester (melting point 5°C) despite the use of a saturated fatty chain. The last advantage is that any decomposition will lead to the formation of fatty acids which are themselves excellent lubricants with yellow metals.

The latest development is to simplify the the framework of the suspension and make it out of as few parts as possible.

  

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