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DESIGN BASICS
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2022 NATIONAL FINALS CAR GALLERY
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STEP 1: RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
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Start by researching aerodynamic concepts and thinking about how you can apply these to your car design. In addition, it is a good idea to research top performing F1 in Schools car from the past - check out our gallery above.
Analyse their features and look at how you can be inspired by their design features.
It is also recommended that you take time at this early stage to understand manufacturing limitations. Find out more HERE!
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STEP 3: SKETCH
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Nothing beats the getting pencil to paper to generate quick ideas! Don't worry at this stage about creating perfectly drawn pieces of art, just scribble down your ideas so you have a starting point before getting onto CAD software.
We also have a 2D sketching template you can use. Click here to download!
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STEP 5: DESIGN USING FUSION 360
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Now it is finally time to start designing using Fusion 360. Access tutorials HERE!
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STEP 7: ITERATION
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Begin a process of designing, testing, analysing, and refining your car design. Based on the results of testing the most recent iteration of a design, changes and refinements are made.
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WORKFLOW
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STEP 2: READ THE TECHNICAL REGUALTIONS
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It is vital that you become familiar with the technical regulations before starting to design. The regulations will in many ways dictated many of your design features and ignoring them may mean your car cannot be manufactured, cannot be raced or result in point penalties.
ACCESS THE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS HERE!
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STEP 4: ACCESS RESOURCES
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Before you can start the CAD version of your car design, you will need a few resources:
Fusion 360 installed onto your computer (along with a license)
Our pre-made car parts to export into Fusion 360
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STEP 6: TEST
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If you want a fast and reliable car, it is vital that you conduct testing.
Testing can come in many forms, here are just a few:
- TESTING AGAINST THE REGULATIONS - does your physical prototype meet all the requirements? Remember there can be a difference between the size on Fusion 360 and the size of the final manufactured car due to manufacturing limitations.
- VISUAL TESTING - many issues/ improvements can be identified through simple visual testing. Inspect your car closely and compare it to your CAD model. A ruler is your best friend when it comes to this.
- CFD TESTING - using CFD software to analyse the aerodynamic performance of the car is highly recommended. Find out more by clicking HERE!
- TRACK TESTING - nothing beats getting your car onto the track and seeing how it performs.
