Basic Course In Race Car Technology

The focus of the book is on the driving dynamics of racing vehicles. The interaction of the tyre, the aerodynamics, of the chassis and the limited slip differential specific to racing vehicles is dealt with. A chapter on the basics of vehicle dynamics makes it possible to get started with this topic even without prior automotive engineering training. A historical review and a consideration of the essential safety aspects create an understanding of higher-level requirements, which are specified, for example, by the technical regulations.

The Full Course RCT book will help you avoid the trial-and-error approach to chassis setup. It will teach you sound, proven technology that is both easy to understand and easy to use, so you can set up your race car in the shop and see the positive results on the track immediately, with very little tweaking. What follows is a common-sense approach to chassis setup, vehicle dynamics and race-car design, founded on solid engineering theory. However, you will need to have an open mind, and be willing to accept new ideas that may go against previous chassis setup thinking. Just to make it clear, the technology presented here applies to all race cars, from quarter midgets to Formula One and everything in between. This book tends to lean towards stock car racing because it represents most of the world's automobile racing. But know that not only will be useful for all forms of circle track racing from asphalt types to dirt cars, a great deal of the technology applies to all race cars.

In this book, the reader learns the essential differences to the passenger car through the analysis divided according to assemblies. This gives him the tools to apply the detailed knowledge he has acquired to the design and development of competition vehicles. The chassis determines the driving behaviour and thus the "DNA" of a racing vehicle like no other assembly. Starting with the tyre - the decisive mechanical component - all the components of the wheel suspension including steering and braking system are presented and discussed. The focus is on the double wishbone and suspension strut axles. The design of wheel suspensions starts with kinematic considerations, leads via component design to considerations of the vehicle dynamics. Ultimately, the maximum forces of the tires in the transverse and circumferential directions are to be exploited while keeping the vehicle controllable. Due to the detailed, in-depth presentation, the work is just as suitable for the interested motorsport enthusiast as it is for the engineer in practice who is dealing with questions relating to racing suspensions. The formula material is prepared in such a way that the book can also be used as a reference work.

In this book, the reader learns the essential differences to the passenger car through the analysis divided according to assemblies. This gives him the tools to apply the detailed knowledge acquired to the design and development of competition vehicles. The course for a successful car is set in the concept phase. For this reason, it is given a lot of space and associated design-related areas such as the choice of materials, lightweight construction, design principles, reliability, etc. are discussed. When considering the vehicle as a whole, however, safety systems (rollover device, crash elements, restraining ropes), the cockpit (driver position, seat with restraint system, steering wheel, gearshift, pedal system), the frame or monocoque, the outer skin and aerodynamic devices (ventilation, aerodynamic drag, downforce) must not be omitted. The detailed, in-depth presentation makes the work just as suitable for the interested motorsport enthusiast as it is for the engineer with a practical interest in questions relating to the complete vehicle. The formula material is prepared in such a way that the book can also be used as a reference work. .

In this book, the reader learns the essential differences to the passenger car through the analysis divided according to assemblies. This gives him the tools to apply the detailed knowledge acquired to the design and development of competition vehicles. In the case of internal combustion engines, the focus is on performance-enhancing measures for racing vehicles. From the choice of the number of cylinders to the intake system to the exhaust system, the lever can be applied to every assembly. For electric drives, the traction battery, cell selection, cooling and operating strategy are considered in more detail. Energy recovery systems are an interesting enhancement for hybrid vehicles and all-electric powertrains, especially in strategic considerations for racing. Finally, gearboxes are needed independently of the drive source, albeit matched to it, so that the full potential can be exploited. The detailed, in-depth presentation makes this work just as suitable for the interested motorsport enthusiast as it is for the engineer in the field who is addressing the issues surrounding race car powertrains. The formula material is prepared in such a way that the book can also be used as a reference work.

An introductory book about all things related to a modern day race car.

For level 2 IMI, EAL and BTEC course structures