Finite element analysis in Formula 1
A short introduction to this album.
Nov 09, 2009•1 min
Finite Element Analysis - for iPod/iPhone
Formula 1 is the ultimate motor sport. It demands the highest level of skill from both drivers and the engineers behind the cars. So what are the secrets of good car design? How are Formula One cars engineered for maximum performance? This album takes a behind the scenes look at Red Bull Racing, a front-runner on the F1 grid. Using thrilling archive and expert testimony, the tracks explore how the techniques of Finite Element Analysis are used to optimize the performance of different elements of a Formula One racing car. The album is presented by Lara Mynors and features extensive contributions from Lewis Butler, Red Bull's senior structural analyst and Dr Ray Martin of the OU. The material is forms part of The Open University course T884 An introduction to Finite Element Analysis.
Episodes
Transcript -- Finite element analysis in Formula 1
Transcript -- A short introduction to this album.
Nov 09, 2009
This is Formula 1!
How final element analysis is used to get maximum performance out of Formula 1 cars, focussing on two components: the wheel hub and the 'tub'.
Nov 09, 2009•2 min
Transcript -- This is Formula 1!
Transcript -- How final element analysis is used to get maximum performance out of Formula 1 cars, focussing on two components: the wheel hub and the 'tub'.
Nov 09, 2009
Component function
The first step in final element analysis is to understand precisely what a component does and how it interacts with other elements. Lewis Butler from Red Bull Racing reveals the role of the hub in F1 car design.
Nov 09, 2009•3 min
Transcript -- Component function
Transcript -- The first step in final element analysis is to understand precisely what a component does and how it interacts with other elements. Lewis Butler from Red Bull Racing reveals the role of the hub in F1 car design.
Nov 09, 2009
Analysing stresses and strains
The second step is to analyse the stresses and strains that the component will be subject to. Lewis Butler from Red Bull and Ray Martin from the OU explain how the hub has to be able to cope with massive external loads.
Nov 09, 2009•2 min
Transcript -- Analysing stresses and strains
Transcript -- The second step is to analyse the stresses and strains that the component will be subject to. Lewis Butler from Red Bull and Ray Martin from the OU explain how the hub has to be able to cope with massive external loads.
Nov 09, 2009
Boundary conditions
The third step is to consider the wheel hub's boundary conditions and how these interact with the external stresses on the wheel hub.
Nov 09, 2009•1 min
Transcript -- Boundary conditions
Transcript -- The third step is to consider the wheel hub's boundary conditions and how these interact with the external stresses on the wheel hub.
Nov 09, 2009
Creating a solid model
Step 4 is to create a solid CAD model of the hub. This is a complex process which involves a series of assumptions and simplifications which need to be taken into account to get a true picture of the hub's behaviour.
Nov 09, 2009•5 min
Transcript -- Creating a solid model
Transcript -- Step 4 is to create a solid CAD model of the hub. This is a complex process which involves a series of assumptions and simplifications which need to be taken into account to get a true picture of the hub's behaviour.
Nov 09, 2009
Creating a mesh model
Step 5 is to create a mesh model of the hub, with 72 000 elements. The mesh density is at its greatest in areas of particular interest.
Nov 09, 2009•6 min
Transcript -- Creating a mesh model
Transcript -- Step 5 is to create a mesh model of the hub, with 72 000 elements. The mesh density is at its greatest in areas of particular interest.
Nov 09, 2009
Solving a mesh model
Step 6 is to input the various stresses and loads that the hub will have to cope with, and use a computer programme to solve the model. Today this can be done quickly and reliably though it still needs a lot of interpretation by the engineers and designers.
Nov 09, 2009•4 min
Transcript -- Solving a mesh model
Transcript -- Step 6 is to input the various stresses and loads that the hub will have to cope with, and use a computer programme to solve the model. Today this can be done quickly and reliably though it still needs a lot of interpretation by the engineers and designers.
Nov 09, 2009
The benefits of FEA
The final step is to put the lessons learned through FEA and use them to manufacture new improved components which increase your chance of success.
Nov 09, 2009•32 sec
Transcript -- The benefits of FEA
Transcript -- The final step is to put the lessons learned through FEA and use them to manufacture new improved components which increase your chance of success.
Nov 09, 2009
Improving the chassis
The same FEA process that was used to redesign a car's hub can also be used to improve its 'tub', otherwise known as its chassis.
Nov 09, 2009•4 min
Transcript -- Improving the chassis
Transcript -- The same FEA process that was used to redesign a car's hub can also be used to improve its 'tub', otherwise known as its chassis.
Nov 09, 2009
Functions of the 'tub'
The tub, or chassis, is the largest component of a car. It cocoons the driver and all the major components, from the engine to the car's suspension, are mounted in the tub.
Nov 09, 2009•2 min
Transcript -- Functions of the 'tub'
Transcript -- The tub, or chassis, is the largest component of a car. It cocoons the driver and all the major components, from the engine to the car's suspension, are mounted in the tub.
Nov 09, 2009
Stiffer means faster
The stiffer the tub, the more responsive and better performing the car. A torsion test can be used to assess and then improve the tub's characteristics.
Nov 09, 2009•2 min
Transcript -- Stiffer means faster
Transcript -- The stiffer the tub, the more responsive and better performing the car. A torsion test can be used to assess and then improve the tub's characteristics.
Nov 09, 2009
Boundary conditions for the tub
The engine and the other components attached to the tub set relatively straightforward boundary conditions.
Nov 09, 2009•2 min
Transcript -- Boundary conditions for the tub
Transcript -- The engine and the other components attached to the tub set relatively straightforward boundary conditions.
Nov 09, 2009
Modelling the tub
Lewis Butler from Red Bull Racing explains how the design and the construction of the tub makes for a very complicated computer model.
Nov 09, 2009•6 min
Transcript -- Modelling the tub
Transcript -- Lewis Butler from Red Bull Racing explains how the design and the construction of the tub makes for a very complicated computer model.
Nov 09, 2009
Solving the mesh model
Lewis Butler explains why and how he builds a model of half of the tub. Because of its complexity, much time and computing power is needed to solve the model.
Nov 09, 2009•2 min
Transcript -- Solving the mesh model
Transcript -- Lewis Butler explains why and how he builds a model of half of the tub. Because of its complexity, much time and computing power is needed to solve the model.
Nov 09, 2009