Composite Crash Structure Update!

In recent weeks, the crash structure department has been busy with manufacturing an anti-intrusion plate. The anti-intrusion plate (AIP) will sit on the front of the car to protect the driver in the event of a collision. The rules allow that a standard 1.5mm solid steel or 4.0mm solid aluminium AIP can be used. Alternative designs, on the other hand, are also acceptable if their strength is proven through testing. Therefore, this year an alternative composite AIP will be utilised due to its lighter weight. A composite AIP will also complement the new 2022 composite monocoque.

The composite structure for the AIP is made of carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb as the core. Nomex honeycomb is being used as the core due to its high mechanical properties, low density and is very bondable. The AIP's shape is determined by the rule that requires it to have the same outer dimensions as the vehicle's front bulkhead.

To start manufacturing the AIP, a mould was designed for the carbon fibre and Nomex core to be laid up into. This mould was designed to have the exact same dimensions as the front bulkhead. To produce a highly accurate mould, an epoxy tooling board has been used and it will not inhibit the cure of prepregs. For the lay-up, a mixture of 2x2 twill and unidirectional carbon fibre was used to sandwich the Nomex honeycomb core.

After the AIP has been cured, it will need to undergo physical testing to demonstrate its strength, so stay tuned for further updates!

Meet the Team!

Meet the Team is an opportunity for us to give you a chance to learn a little more about the people who make up SHU Racing. This week, we welcome a member of our Aero and Powertrain department Findley.

Name: Findley Scrivener.

Age: 21

Course: MEng Mechanical Engineering

Role: Aerodynamics and Powertrain team member

Number of years with the Team: 1

Hobbies and Interest's: F1, gym and cocktails

Favourite Car: Mclaren P1

Dream Job: Motorsport aerodynamics team leader

Reasons for Joining SHU Racing: To gain some hands-on experience with engineering and for the opportunity to apply the past 3 years of education into something meaningful. It's also been great to work within a team of like-minded engineers trying to solve complex engineering problems.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/findley-scrivener-241541185