It is vital for any Formula One team wanting to remain competitive to maximise its research and testing resources. Whether it is because of financial limitations, regulatory constraints or a simple lack of hours in the day, there is never as much testing data available as they would like. To this end, teams are constantly assessing new technologies and methodologies that could help draw more data from a given testing scenario. One such development in the sphere of aerodynamics testing...
When we talk of powder metallurgy methods of manufacture, there are two almost unconnected methods. The first, which is used to manufacture near net-shape components, involves filling a mould with powdered metal and sintering it together under pressure to produce a pre-form that may need very little machining before the part can be used in an engine. Some production con rods are produced by this technique. However, for the purposes of this article, I want to discuss the powder metallurgy...
In a recent issue of Race Engine Technology magazine, there was an article on the propulsion motor being used for the Drayson Racing electric car project. It is short in length and low in mass, and if you have read the article and seen the pictures of this ‘yokeless and segmented armature’ machine you will have noted that the motor, while axially compact, is not so compact radially. The motor’s architecture is a variation on what is known as an axial flux, or axial gap,...
In theory at least, an engine bearing – be it big-end or crankshaft main – should be one of the simplest components to lubricate. Separated by a thin film of oil forced into a gap under pressure, when running at a constant rotational speed, the resulting ‘wedge’ of fluid forces the components apart, disengaging both shell and journal asperities. Since there is no contact between bearing and journal, no wear can take place and the power loss in the system is down to...
Much has already been written in these columns about the technicalities of cam design and manufacture. But unless the component is properly installed in the engine so that the intake and exhaust valves are accurately phased to the motion of the piston then much of the effort involved in designing the cam may be completely lost. Rather like a stand-up comedian, when it comes to speaking of camshafts, timing is everything. For most applications I guess it is safest to suggest that, when...