Aerodynamics
The importance of aerodynamics in motorsports was recognised quite early, but aerodynamic elements were not present until the ‘60s. The downforce produced by these parts increases the grip of the car, improves the cornering speed, while also reducing the braking distance due to the drag of these elements. This department’s job is to design the aerodynamic elements of the car: front and rear wing and a diffuser. To do so, we are using the most advanced technology: CFD simulations. Aerodynamically optimising other body panels is also one of our jobs, because it is important how these parts affect each other. We are manufacturing our aerodynamic elements by using the most modern materials: Our elements all have carbon fiber composite structure. This is the reason why our motto became: “The aerodynamics department is where innovations begin”
Driverless
Driverless department is a brand new section within the team. Our goal is to develop a brand-new platform, which is able to handle the car movement with no driver sitting in it. This project is called Driverless Autosport Integrated System - DAISY. Driverless - as no driver is present; Autosport: as we optimize for robustness and speed within several racing conditions; Integrated: as the car can be driven also with driver and we use the historical vehicle; System: as we develop an end-to-end chain, full functionality responsibility is built within our team. The project started in the spring of 2019, bringing whole new competencies, knowledge and field into the live of the team. Our scope now includes embedded programming, machine vision, vehicle motion control, actuator management, behaviour strategy calculation and high capacity data management. Merging such functions into the world of conventional vehicle development results exciting new tasks where everyone can find their own interests!
Electronics
The duty of our electronics department is to develop and manufacture all the electronic devices of the race car, as well as developing every software used by the team. Designing and making the engine control electronics, and our unique data collecting system is also amongst the duties of the electronics department as well as creating the electrical harness connecting all of this together. This is all done by using a CAD software. Our data collecting system, made entirely by our members, is designed to collect all the vehicle dynamics data. With the information gathered we later can improve the car, and we use it while designing and developing our new cars. We also have a unique steering wheel, to help the pilot in every possible way, such as displaying all the information on an LCD screen, and electro-pneumatic shifting control system. We use our own software for everything, would it be for monitoring the electronic devices in the car, or our newly created test management software.
Drivertrain
The drivetrain department has the important role of designing all the peripherals connected to the engine and connecting the engine to the frame. It contains the development of that fuel-, cooling-, and exhaust system also the mounting of the differential. While developing these parts, there are several things to keep in mind: for example it is important to ensure that the chain drive – which is responsible to convert the power from the engine to the wheels – is always tight, and that there is a possibility to set as desired These parts are designed in CAD softwares and we also check them with simulations.
Chassis
The bodywork is responsible for connecting the components, and it is designed with many aspects in mind. For example, the weight of the carbon frame must be kept to a minimum without losing its rigidity. This can be achieved with the right fabrics, binders, stiffening procedures and construction techniques. Our work begins in fall after the finalization of the suspension geometry. Using 3D simulations, we optimize the geometry of the monocoque using FEM software. This is followed by the production period, where we can implement a significant part of the procurement of raw materials as well as certain elements of the technological process with the support of our sponsors.
Vehicle Dynamics
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The vehicle dynamics department is one of the most versatile parts of the team, as it is responsible for developing not only the suspension, but also the steering system, brake system and pedal box. They are also responsible for creating ergonomic environment for the driver seating in the car.Optimum Kinematics, Optimum Tyre, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MSC Adams and IPG CarMaker software are used to design the suspension geometry. The design takes into account the need to create the ideal grip conditions for the tyres, as well as the need to provide the driver with direct and accurate feedback on the vehicle. They use Abaqus, Ansys and Fusion360 software to design their components, which allow for model optimisation, including generative design. They can be used to design components with near-ideal mass-to-stiffness ratios, which play a major role in weight reduction, especially in unsprung mass. The department also plays a key role in vehicle testing and adjusting.
Management
Our management department has a wide variety of tasks, but maybe the most important of all is sponsorship management – communicating and dealing with companies who support us. This way we can ensure the financial stability of the project. Fortunately, we were able to build and maintain strong relationships with many great companies over the years. Keeping in touch with all our followers on social media is also an important role, as well as planning and to carry out all the different events and appearances of our team.
