Lightweight construction in motor racing

In recent years, light weight carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CRP) have proven to be particularly suitable for lightweight constructions. Various processes are available for the manufacturing of CRP components. The Lion Racing Team primarily uses prepresg or single line injection (SLI) and vacuum infusion processes.

Requirements

A new vehicle prototype is developed for the annual participation in global Formula Student Events, with an important aspect being the reduction of the overall vehicle mass. Components such as the monocoque, the steering-wheel, the seat and parts that provide additional aerodynamics and thus more traction are manufactured using the processes mentioned above.

The tight schedule and limited budget of student racing teams only allow for one try for most components. A fine vacuum is therefore created around the component during the production process for all three methods.

Suitable Products

Suitable for monitoring the vacuum during production and for leak detection:

VD81: The reliable piezo vacuum meter VD81 with data logger measures absolute pressure in the rough vacuum range using a robust ceramic sensor, independent of gas type.

VD810: The piezo vacuum meter with extended functions and features measures absolute and relative pressure in the rough vacuum range from 2000 to 1 mbar (abs.) and -1060 to +1200 mbar (rel.), independent of gas type. The device's membrane keypad enables convenient, menu-driven user guidance. An internal data logger stores several separate series of measurements with real-time stamps.

Source: Lions Racing Team e.V.