Final assessment – Portfolio 100%

Assignment to examine the rules and regulations relating to a specific race series and apply these regulations to a specific race car design. Work submitted may include evidence in a range of formats including written, video, audio, schematic diagrams provided the assignment requirements are met, equivalent to 4000 words assessing learning outcomes 1-6.

Current race vehicle design, manufacture and preparation follow a complex homologation process. The decision of final race vehicle concept and product are determined by race rules and regulations alongside choice of appropriate components and vehicle behaviour. This module has been developed to encompass all aspects of the design process and the preparation of the vehicle prior to track use.

This module introduces students to fundamental ideas relating to race vehicle design and preparation including the development of race vehicles based on road-developed variants and prototype series vehicles. The focus is upon;
1. Vehicle Chassis designs, evolution, concepts, mountings.
2. Powertrain including transmission systems, principles of design and operation of gearboxes, clutches, differentials and power supply
3. Suspension: comparison of different tyres, principles of design for suspension geometry and calculation for spring and damper forces.
4. Steering mechanisms and applications.
5. Race rules and regulations including safety and technical regulations
6. Race vehicle geometry and set-up

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download containing topic information, example questions and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE known as the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by staff through video input. Study is by independent learning with tutor support of approximately 6 hours per module but students may access tutors whenever they choose within the working week 9-5 BST.

Computer with fast broadband connection
Range of resources located on the VLS
Library Services through Sconul access or e books

*Evans, M.S., (2002) Tyre Compounding for Improved Performance. Shrewsbury: iSmithers Rapra Publishing.
*Heisler, H. (2002) Advanced Vehicle Technology. Amsterdam: Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann
Macey, S. (2009) H-Point: The Fundamentals of Car Design and Packaging. Culver City: Design Studio Press.
Happian-Smith, J. (2001) An Introduction to Modern Vehicle Design. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
*Core texts, select at least one

1) Demonstrate selection, analysis and evaluation of the rules and regulations of race series relating to vehicles specification and requirements. (Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving, Communication).
2) Demonstrate an understanding of the major components within vehicles and their appropriate combinations in the formation of viable chassis designs. (Knowledge and Understanding).
3) Demonstrate a knowledge of calculable areas which affect handling and stability. (Problem Solving).
4) Appraise safety within vehicle design. (Reflection, Analysis).
5) Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of a range of mechanical problems associated with static, dynamic and material failure and prevention solutions. (Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving, Reflection).
6) Interpret data relating to practical work and communicate the results using a structured coherent argument. (Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving).