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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.