Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This study emphasizes on the lap time simulation of a formula style race car on the track of Buddha International Circuit using Optimum Lap package. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Various racing teams use numerous computational tools such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to aid in the design of racing cars and the development of their performance. Optimum Lap simulation allows the user to examine the effect of different vehicle parameters to optimise vehicle performance. Therefore, the use of sophisticated simulation software would give more credibility to the design before it gets manufactured. Findings: As the project has a time constraint, rapid development and testing of various technologies is essential with appreciable accuracy. Optimum Lap simulation software works by simulating a full lap for the vehicle on the track using a quasi-static method i.e. splitting the track into finite segments. An analysis is performed by the program, wherein statistical data of the vehicle is used to formulate various dynamic attributes at each segment point. On comparing the simulated data with the actual data from the vehicle testing, it was found that the simple vehicle model depicts the steady state response of the vehicle accurately. Various inputs regarding general data, Transmission data, Aero data, Tire data, Engine Data with miscellaneous data were entered and the vehicle is simulated on the track. The results on the total track length of 5095.54 m gave us a lap time of 158.82 seconds at a top speed of 139.27 kmph. Applications/Improvements: The simulation results showed us there was only 10% difference with the actual results on the asphalt. If the software would have taken the effects of racing line, effect of roll, pitch and yaw inertia as well as damping and tyre lag then results would have been more serried and precise. Lap time simulation gave us a detailed analysis of the car performance with major improvements a driver can make by analyzing the perfect driving condition for the endurance run on the track.
Keywords: Formula, Lap Time, Performance, Race Car, Simulation, Track