Making an Impact!

Latest from the Crash Structure Department…

The Impact Attenuator (IA), Anti-Intrusion Plate (AIP), and nosecone development for the 2022 season are well underway. The crash structure department's main objective this year is to design and manufacture the lightest IA and AIP that SHU Racing has ever seen. The AIP will be made from Nomex honeycomb core with carbon fibre to match the new carbon fibre monocoque, drawing inspiration from previous year's designs. The goal for the IA is to keep it as small as possible while still adhering to the Formula Student rules. The nosecone will be constructed from carbon fibre due to its lightweight and close collaboration with Morgan Hulme, Aerodynamics Manager, which is essential to produce a nosecone with minimal possible drag.

For this year, Matthew Beck is our Crash Structure Manager, and his goal is to produce a light yet strong IA and AIP that passes all the necessary crash tests. In the Meet the Team section below, you can learn more about our Crash Structure Manager.

The Crash Structure Department is currently testing the AIP composite structure with 3-point bend and shear tests. When the AIP has passed all the testing and has been produced, it will be taken to the Cranfield Impact Centre to demonstrate that it can withstand a 120kN load. The IA will be tested by being installed on the front of a vehicle weighing 300 kilogrammes and contacting a solid, non-yielding impact barrier at a speed of 7 metres per second. The IA must decelerate the vehicle at a speed of no more than 20g average and 40g maximum. In addition, the amount of energy absorbed during this event must be greater than 7350J.

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 our President and Crash Structure Manager, Matthew Beck.

Matthew oversees the Crash Structure Departments and controls the design and manufacture of the Impact Attenuator, Anti-Intrusion Plate and Nosecone. He is also President of the Formula Student society and aims to promote equality and diversity within the SHU Racing team and to create an environment that is fun and fair for all members involved.

Name: Matthew Beck

Age: 22

Course: MEng Aerospace Engineering

Role: President/ Crash Structure

Number of years with the Team: 1

Hobbies and Interests: F1, Football, Films

Favourite Car: Lamborghini Miura

Dream Job: Formula 1 Aerodynamicist

Reasons for Joining SHU Racing: To engage in a hands-on project that allows me to put my academic knowledge into practice while learning more about the components that make up a race car. Also, to work as part of a team of engineers pursuing a common goal.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-beck99