Title: Structural optimisation of composite elements of a Formula One racing car

Authors: Chiara Bisagni, Davide Terletti

Addresses: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Aerospaziale, Politecnico di Milano Via La Masa 34, 20156 Milano, Italy. ' Ferrari Gestione Sportiva, Via Ascari 55/57, 41053 Maranello, Modena, Italy

Abstract: This paper describes the numerical optimisation procedure developed for the design of structural components of Formula One racing cars made of composite materials. The numerical procedure, developed using Matlab, is based on coupling a commercial finite element code for structural analysis (MSC/NASTRAN), with a genetic algorithm optimisation tool. It takes into account both continuous and discrete design variables, and the application of continuity technological constraints. Two different application examples related to a Formula One car are reported: the first one concerns a turning vane subject to static requirements, while the second one concerns a rear wing, subject to static, dynamic and buckling requirements.

Keywords: structural optimisation; composite structures; Formula One; racing cars; finite element analysis; FEA; vehicle design; composites; genetic algorithms; GAs; turning vane; rear wing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.021157

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.48 No.1/2, pp.149 - 170

Published online: 06 Nov 2008 *

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