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

Difference -13% -67% +255% +324%

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

/LeedsFormulaStudent

@leedsFSAE

Leeds Formula Race Team

Mechanical Engineering

University of Leeds

Woodhouse Lane

LS2 9JT