The thesis outlines the development of a simulation model for a Formula Student race car aimed at optimizing the vehicle's performance parameters. Formula Student is an international student competition that takes place every year and attracts teams from all over the world. This simulation tool is essential due to the short Formula Student season, which limits opportunities for iterative component development and performance comparisons. By utilizing a simulation model, components can be validated and vehicle parameters optimized before production, resulting in a faster race car.
For the simulation, we used the CarMaker software. We compared various programs and chose CarMaker due to its extensive documentation and user-friendly environment. CarMaker also includes a pre-existing electric race car model, which allowed for parameter adjustments.
To tailor the simulation to our race car, we modified several parameters of the base model, including weight, aerodynamics, gear ratio, and spring stiffness, among others. After confirming the model’s functionality within the simulation environment, we proceeded with validation by comparing lap times from two standard disciplines: acceleration and skidpad. The results showed a deviation of less than 10%, which was acceptable.
The vehicle’s weight was first parameter to be analyzed. We assessed the impact of both the driver’s and vehicle’s mass on performance across different disciplines. Weight reduction led to performance gains in events requiring acceleration and deceleration. However, in the skidpad, weight reduction had minimal effect on times due to the concurrent reduction in grip.
The aerodynamic package, which includes components such as front and rear wings, was evaluated next. While it negatively affected acceleration times due to increased weight and drag, it improved performance in all other disciplines by enhancing downforce, thereby increasing grip. We further examined the relative contributions of drag and downforce. Drag was found to be negligible on Formula Student tracks, where vehicles rarely reach high speeds due to the slow circuits, while downforce had a significant impact on cornering speeds.
We also assessed the influence of gear ratios on performance. A higher gear ratio was found to benefit the car, providing greater torque for quicker acceleration out of corners, as the maximum available speed was not reached.
The results confirm that the designed simulation model provides additional insight into the performance of the developed race car, highlighting the relevance of using such an approach in the future.
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