Cardiff Formula Student

CR02

CR02 has been designed from the tyres upwards with careful consideration to suspension geometry and adjustability, chassis and structure stiffness and safety, engine reliability and driver ergonomics. The car features a custom design chain-driven plate differential with an amazingly light box structure that forms an integral part of the rear structure, along with the tubular frame and the use of the engine as a stressed member. The rear hubs have been combined with the tripod housing to reduce weight and component costs. The lightweight uprights are investment cast, making good use of the manufacturing process to put material exactly where it is needed and save weight elsewhere, whilst reducing machining requirements. A Hexcel tub structure forms the main structure and driver protection system, and accommodates the suspension wishbones via custom inserts. A custom carbon fibre steering wheel was designed to cater to ergonomics and the careful packaging of electronics, together with a carbon fibre nose ensure that energy during a crash is transferred to the crush structure and not the chassis, as well as providing pleasing aesthetics. Both were hand-made. A fully adjustable custom pedal box has been designed for minimum weight, efficient packaging and to accommodate a wide range of driver sizes.

Target areas for improvements considered when designing CR02 to produce a competitive car:

• Total dry weight 200 Kg (with 4cyl engine)
• Improved throttle response
• 1600mm wheelbase
• Lower centre of gravity
• Improved steering feel
• Improved rear toe stiffness
• Improved driver visibility and ergonomics
• Easily adjustable balance

Car Statistics

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