Finite Element Analysis - for iPad/Mac/PC

18 Episodes

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Finite element analysis in Formula 1

2009-11-0901:08

A short introduction to this album.

This is Formula 1!

2009-11-0901:56

How final element analysis is used to get maximum performance out of Formula 1 cars, focussing on two components: the wheel hub and the 'tub'.

Component function

2009-11-0902:40

The first step in final element analysis is to understand precisely what a component does and how it interacts with other elements. Lewis Butler from Red Bull Racing reveals the role of the hub in F1 car design.

Analysing stresses and strains

2009-11-0901:48

The second step is to analyse the stresses and strains that the component will be subject to. Lewis Butler from Red Bull and Ray Martin from the OU explain how the hub has to be able to cope with massive external loads.

Boundary conditions

2009-11-0901:25

The third step is to consider the wheel hub's boundary conditions and how these interact with the external stresses on the wheel hub.

Creating a solid model

2009-11-0904:37

Step 4 is to create a solid CAD model of the hub. This is a complex process which involves a series of assumptions and simplifications which need to be taken into account to get a true picture of the hub's behaviour.

Creating a mesh model

2009-11-0906:17

Step 5 is to create a mesh model of the hub, with 72 000 elements. The mesh density is at its greatest in areas of particular interest.

Solving a mesh model

2009-11-0903:47

Step 6 is to input the various stresses and loads that the hub will have to cope with, and use a computer programme to solve the model. Today this can be done quickly and reliably though it still needs a lot of interpretation by the engineers and designers.

The benefits of FEA

2009-11-0900:32

The final step is to put the lessons learned through FEA and use them to manufacture new improved components which increase your chance of success.

Improving the chassis

2009-11-0903:53

The same FEA process that was used to redesign a car's hub can also be used to improve its 'tub', otherwise known as its chassis.

Functions of the 'tub'

2009-11-0902:10

The tub, or chassis, is the largest component of a car. It cocoons the driver and all the major components, from the engine to the car's suspension, are mounted in the tub.

Stiffer means faster

2009-11-0901:58

The stiffer the tub, the more responsive and better performing the car. A torsion test can be used to assess and then improve the tub's characteristics.

Boundary conditions for the tub

2009-11-0901:46

The engine and the other components attached to the tub set relatively straightforward boundary conditions.

Modelling the tub

2009-11-0905:32

Lewis Butler from Red Bull Racing explains how the design and the construction of the tub makes for a very complicated computer model.

Solving the mesh model

2009-11-0902:21

Lewis Butler explains why and how he builds a model of half of the tub. Because of its complexity, much time and computing power is needed to solve the model.

Analysing the results

2009-11-0900:44

Lewis Butler analyses the data generated by solving the model. Having to have a hole for the driver to sit in has a big impact on the how stiff the tub can be.

Testing CAD against reality

2009-11-0901:20

In order to be confident about the results of computer simulations, Red Bull compares them with practical investigations. They are disappointed if the results are more than 5% apart from computer predictions.

Take a sceptical view

2009-11-0903:07

The results of CAD should be treated sceptically and require a lot of interpretation and real world comparison. Ultimately the engineer's experience and judgement are more important than information generated via computer models.

#box-pro-ellipsis-173221515286594{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Finite Element Analysis - for iPad/Mac/PC

Finite Element Analysis - for iPad/Mac/PC