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The Trailblazers
The Trailblazers
Our Values
Our Values
The engineering side of the competition is the most visible one. The goal of our engineers is clear - to build the fastest possible F1 in Schools car. This car must be entirely within the parameters of the competition’s rigid technical regulations while also being capable of withstanding the physical stresses of numerous races. On paper, these objectives may seem simple, but the process behind which they are accomplished is an arduous one.
The Design Process
The Design Process
Our engineering team uses the design process to repeatedly design, manufacture, and analyze the car in order to improve its performance.
Different stages in the design process circle
Different stages in the design process circle
Research
Initially, the engineering team undertakes an extensive research period in order to develop and refine the car design. The team studies principles of aerodynamics, reviews previous car designs, and seeks guidance from teachers and industry professionals during this phase.
Designing
Using the information acquired from research and prior testing, our design engineer uses CAD software to draft or modify the car design.
Virtual Testing
Once the model has been designed, it is analyzed carefully using virtual testing software. Our testing engineer assesses a number of features of the design, including its aerodynamic efficiency, its structural stability, and its compliance with competition regulations. If these results are below expectations, the model is sent back to the research and design phases.
Manufacturing
If a model passes the virtual testing phase, it is sent to the manufacturing engineer to be physically produced. The car body is cut out of the F1 in Schools model block, while other parts of the car are created using other materials. The car is then put together and carefully painted.
Physical Testing
In order to ensure that virtual testing matches a car’s performance under real-world conditions, manufactured cars are then raced on the physical track. The results are noted down and compared with expected outcomes in order to make future design decisions.
Ending
By constantly pushing the limits of aerodynamic efficiency and improving their work from previous results, our engineers are in a relentless pursuit for perfection
Tools That We Used
Tools That We Used
Autodesk Fusion 360
This collaborative CAD software allows our design engineer to efficiently create designs and share them with the rest of the team.
SimScale
SimScale is a multifaceted engineering simulation software that our engineers rely on in the virtual testing stage. The software provides Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, which allows for the visualization of airflow around the model. Additionally, the engineers use SimScale for its Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation, which determines the areas of stress on the model and measures the stability of the design.
QuickCAM Pro
The CAM software that the engineering team uses allows them to create the desired toolpath for the CNC machine to follow. This software ensures that the design is manufactured as precisely as possible.
Denford CNC Microrouter
This industrial-level mill, which has been specifically designed for the F1 in Schools competition, is used to cut the car design out of the model F1 in schools block.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Through their journey with F1 in Schools competition, the engineering team has absorbed countless lessons and skills in regards to engineering, physics, and design. A few of these learnings include:
-Effective utilization of the engineering design process
-Understanding of key aerodynamics principles and materials science properties
-Use of industrial-level design software and engineering equipment
-How to reach out and collaborate with industry professionals
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