SHU RACING START DEVELOPMENT WORK WITH 2018's CAR
ENGINE TESTING AT CC MOTORS
Its been a good couple of weeks within the Development department, first with the SHU Racing car being set on the CC Motor’s dynamometer and then at the Norton Aerodrome testing track.
To get our new and returning engineers even more familiar with the workings of a Formula Student car, the team took the car to the Sheffield Rolling Road (CC Motors). Our time at the rolling road provided valuable knowledge to the Electrical team in how to refine the engine’s map and how to also trouble shoot engine hiccups. It was thanks to the calm expertise of the CC Motor’s engineers that we managed to develop a much smoother engine map that will allow more efficient development when the team use the 2018 car as a test bed for new ideas.
SHU Racing thanks the engineers at CC Motors for their help and expertise with helping us develop the car.
TEST DAY AT NORTON AERODROME
Following on from the development of the engine, the team took the car to Norton Aerodrome, on the outskirts of Sheffield, to test the cars abilities when thrown around in proper anger. At Formula Student 2018, the team were reserved in their running as the team’s aim was to complete all events, a feat not achieved before, and so were cautious in pushing the car to its limits.
When testing, our development and race driver, Ollie Mitchell, managed to put the car to the test, executing high speed cornering and large deceleration manoeuvres in order to mimic ‘worst case’ scenarios for the car. The Silverstone FS layout does not allow such manoeuvres, so it was reassuring to discover that the 2018 team’s engineering was more than capable of withstanding the trials that a Formula Student car undergoes. This sort of verification is new to the SHU Racing team and will provide further scope for refinement in the 2019 season.
During each run, our development engineers were able to gather unique thermal, vibration, acceleration and engine data which the technical leaders can use to again refine their designs.
Thermal analysis from the tyres and brakes will aid Chandan Talwar and Samuel Seabrooke as they development the suspension, braking system and unsprung mass components of the coming car. Understanding the temperature spread across the tyres gives an indication of the suitability of the current camber angles, and residual heat within the braking system will allow more accurate transient modelling of the new brake disk design.
Vibration and acceleration data will be used by Jordan Waite and Martin Heathcote as they make the chassis more rigid and allow correct acoustic isolation for Jordan’s electrical system. The Driver's Environment team also had the chance to test new seating foams and configurations, in order to simplify the harness system and provide enhanced support to the driver.
It was a great chance for all new members, who had previously not seen the car run, to understand the processes required to set up and run the car, as well as act on feedback given from the driver and collected data.
SHU Racing thanks Safety 1st Driving Academy for allowing us use of their space.
MEET THE MANAGER
On this week's meet the manager, its our Bodywork & Aero, Business & Marketing and Team Manager, Adam!
Name: Adam Devonport
Age: 22
Course: MEng Mechanical Engineering (Level 7)
Team Role: Team Manager, Business and Marketing Manager, Bodywork and Aerodynamics Technical Leader
Hobbies and interests: Gym, Formula One and FPS Gaming
Favourite food: Fried Chicken
Favourite Band/Artist: Bugzy Malone/Slowthai
Favourite way to unwind: If I am stressed usually the gym, if I want to relax a good hour in the sauna does the trick!
Reason for getting into Formula Student:
I joined up in my first year after always having a real passion for Formula One and motorsport in general. I wanted to use Formula Student to expand my engineering knowledge, make new friends and enhance my CV. I was also aware of the decreasing practical experience undertaken at university and wanted to get some more hands on experience, which it is fair to say I have had my share of over the years!
Without Formula Student I wouldn't have had my placement opportunity and I wouldn’t be as passionate at some aspects of engineering which aren't necessarily taught as part of my degree; such as carbon composites and aerodynamics.
