NEWSLETTER January 2015
Team Leader Message This month has been a return to work after the Christmas break as the real push starts towards competition. Parts are now arriving weekly from suppliers as we accelerate production of the F16. As mentioned earlier in the year, our design review has taken place with the previous years F15 team on hand to offer feedback. It was very good to see old faces and I would like to thank those who made it for their efforts to help out this years team. Progress has been outstanding, keeping us on track with our pre-season targets. The chassis has begun to take shape and a full CAD assembly has been completed. The next stage is to complete the manufacture of all components ready for extensive testing. Our new team kit has improved our professional image that hopefully looks more impressive going forward and at competition. I am pleased to announce that we have been accepted into FSUK at Silverstone this year. We will once again be competing with the number 97, representing our first year of competition in 1997. Scott Walker Team Leader
Design Review The end of January has been a race against time for the team to prepare for the design review. This years team have taken an increased logical and professional approach to the competition by setting a full scale review of all components of the car, in preparation for a design freeze mid-February. It has also been an opportunity to see familiar faces, as the previous F15 team were present to critically analyse the current teams efforts so far. Key components of this years design were presented by individual members of the team to receive feedback that could benefit from last minute design changes. Overall the day proved to be insightful, as the professional opinion of recent engineering graduates and senior lecturers at the University of Leeds were offered back to the team, with regards to the overall design. The design review deadline served as a push for the development of vital components, re-accelerating the team after their long deserved winter break. Although there is still work ongoing, the progress of the team is far ahead than that of last year, allowing for a more extensive testing period in the months leading to competition.
Design Review The review deadline gave an opportunity for an initial complete CAD assembly of F16 to be constructed. The full three dimensional model has given a visual representation of the teams efforts, showcasing radical new features when compared to designs from previous years. The most predominant new feature introduced to F16 are the wings, however aspects such as the side mounted tuned exhaust, improved plenum and 10 inch wheels are all additional exciting developments. Now that the team has a visualisation of the final design, hard work begins with parts being sanctioned for manufacturing over February and March.
Chassis Manufacturing Those following the team Facebook page will have seen the progress made on the F16 Chassis during the early weeks of January. This successful start to manufacturing since the winter break has provided the team with the front end of the chassis. With the arrival of laser cut tubes from Premier Lasertube , progress on the chassis frame has been swift compared to previous years. Members of the Chassis Team have frequently been down to the welding workshop over the past three weeks, helping Chief Welding & Fabrication Technician, Gary Hammersley, prepare, bend and weld the steel tubes. It is expected that the chassis frame will be completed mid-February with the attachment of the engine bay and tabs for the mounting of vital components. The unique step design of the F16 provides separation and protection of the steering rack, differing from previous Leeds designs. Previous issues with steering columns have led to the inclusion of this design to prevent failures that have been experienced in the past. This has created a slightly more complex design to weld, but so far has not caused Gary too many problems. The Team remains on track with their pre-season manufacturing targets thanks to the hard work of those involved.
Wheels and Tyres During the Christmas Break, the Chassis team received the highly anticipated new wheels and tyres from Keiser and Hoosier respectively. This is a result of the bold decision to switch from the previously used 13 inch setup, to new 10 inch, decreasing the overall mass of the vehicle by approximately 12kg. This decision was encouraged by the increase in mass caused by the addition of wings to this years car.
Since this decision, Scott Walker and Dominic Smith of the Suspension Team have been busy rearranging the packaging issues associated with these new specifications. This includes the design and manufacture of new uprights to accommodate the wheels, which also resulted in further mass reductions and a decrease of forces required for steering. The Formula Student competition is more than just a dynamic track performance. Business, design and cost aspects of the competition justifies the use of new wheels. In the cost report, reducing wheel size lowers vehicle cost, fitting more naturally into the teams “Budget Racer� target market. The Improved acceleration and responsiveness anticipated should also be an increased business selling point.
Team Kit The beginning of January saw the arrival of new team kit for this season, supplied by Clifton Clothing. Incorporating a trace of the University of Leeds colours, each team member is now in the possession of a polo shirt and soft shell jacket to look smart at competition. The clothing gives exposure to some of our top sponsors for the year. The team has retaken a complete team photo that is found on the front cover of this months newsletter. Additionally, each team member has had their individual photo taken for uploading to the team website that is currently under construction!
Miltera Steering Rack Another upgraded part for this years car comes in the form of the new mRack steering rack, manufactured by Miltera Machining Research Corp. This replaces the previous Formula Seven version that experienced failure on the F15. At a significant saving of both weight and cost, the mRack is hoped to improve both the steering performance and driver feel to the F16. The Miltera steering rack provides a 255% increase in axial load capability, a significant increase of the previous model which contributes to a greater response from the driver to the wheels when cornering.
Having been ordered early in the academic year, Dominic Smith has been anticipating getting his hands on the new equipment for some time. He would specifically like to thank Denise at Miltera for her consistent co-operation and support in improving this years car.
Model
Cost
Mass
Axial Load
Orthogonal load
Miltera mRack
Undisclosed
309g
6670N
2280N
Formula Seven (F15)
Undisclosed
950g
1880N
680N
-13%
-67%
+255%
+324%
Difference
Spen Bearings
Leeds Formula Race Team is delighted to announce the extension of our pre-existing deal with Spen Bearings for the supply of bearings for the coming season. As a long-time partner, Spen Bearings have always supported the efforts of the team since our first entry in 1997. Leeds Formula Race Team always embraces local partnerships in the Leeds area, enhancing relationships with local businesses within the community. Spen Bearings are based in numerous locations around West Yorkshire and will provide great benefit to the team in the supply and advice of bearing use. The first of hopefully several orders arrived this week containing bearings for the Differential and Wheel Hubs in the Driveline area of the team. A special thanks to James Haley for his co-operation and enthusiasm for continuing the Spen Bearings partnership with the team.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
leedsformularaceteam@gmail.com Leeds Formula Race Team Mechanical Engineering /LeedsFormulaStudent
University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane
@leedsFSAE
LS2 9JT