Finite Element Analysis - for iPad/Mac/PC
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About
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.
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'.
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 ...
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 ex...
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.
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 b...
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.
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...
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.
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.