Engineering Peak Performance in Auto Racing Requires Precision Measurement

In the highly competitive world of automotive racing, every millisecond counts. The difference between a podium finish and a heart-crushing loss can come from the finest margins. This is why sensor technology has become indispensable in the automotive industry, specifically in auto racing design, engineering, testing, and performance monitoring.

Whether in professional or amateur racing circuits, precision in measurement is critical to optimizing vehicle performance and gaining that crucial edge over the competition. Interface supplies measurement solutions to race teams, component manufacturers, and even up-and-coming engineers with the SAE Formula global competition for students.

Test and Measurement Precision in Auto Racing

Racing teams are constantly striving for perfection. This quest involves meticulous testing, tuning, and refinement of every component in a race car. Precision measurement is vital in this process, providing the accurate data needed to make informed decisions about everything from tire performance to engine tuning.

Test and measurement solutions, such as those provided by Interface, are designed to offer the highest levels of accuracy and reliability. For instance, Interface’s load cells and torque transducers are used extensively in racing vehicles’ design, testing, and performance tracking. The data acquired through these sensors helps performance auto engineers optimize vehicle components, ensuring they perform at their best under the intense conditions of a race.

What types of sensors are used in auto racing? Here are some standard devices preferred by auto racing groups around the world:

Auto Racing Applications Using Interface Solutions

One key area where force measurement is critical is tuning suspension systems. Vehicle control and stability are paramount in racing, and a car’s suspension plays a significant role. Race car suspensions require fine-tuning for best performance on various tracks. Simulation of bumps, banking, and other track conditions results in off-axis loading. Interface 1200-series load cell mounted on each post in a 4-, 5-, or 7-post rig allows race teams to measure forces during simulated laps. The moment-compensating design of 1200-series load cells provides accurate readings during off-axis loading. The results are an exact (0.04%) measurement of loads applied to individual suspension points. Read Race Car Suspension Testing.

Interface recommends a solution to measure the tire’s torque and lateral force to stress-test tires and provide critical research on their dynamic control capabilities. Interface suggests using the AT105 Contactless Force/Torque Transducer to measure the lateral force and torque of the tested tires. Torque and force results can be displayed and graphed when connected to the SI-USB4 4-Channel USB Interface Module.

Interface’s load cells are integral to the operation of shock dynamometers, which dial in the independent rebound and compression valving of shocks. This level of precision ensures that the suspension system responds optimally to the demands of the racetrack, providing the driver with the best possible handling and performance.

Using load cells that provide multiple axes of measurement, like Interface’s Multi-Axis Load Cells, allows engineers to fine-tune suspension components like shocks and springs. These components must be precisely calibrated to provide the right balance of stiffness and flexibility, ensuring the car can handle corners at high speed without losing traction.

AxialTQ Engine Dynamometer Application Note

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Another critical application of force measurement in racing is engine tuning. The power generated by a race car’s engine must be efficiently transferred to the wheels, which requires careful torque management. Torque transducers, such as Interface’s AxialTQ™, provide real-time data on engine performance, allowing engineers to make adjustments that maximize power output while maintaining reliability.

Chassis dynamometers measure the torque delivered to the wheels, relying heavily on accurate force measurement. The data from these dynamometers helps engineers fine-tune the engine and drivetrain, ensuring that the maximum amount of power reaches the road without compromising the vehicle’s handling or stability. Included below is a real-world example of how AxialTQ is used on dynamometers.

AxialTQ Engine Dynamometer Application
A customer must measure the torque and the speed (RPM) an engine produces and calculate it simultaneously. Interface’s AxialTQ rotor senses the torque with a high-precision sensing element and strain gages. The electrical output is converted from an analog to a digital signal in the rotor. The system’s high accuracy is based on this combination of the proven sensing element technology with next-generation electronics to provide the highest quality torque measurement available in the industry. Read the application note: AxialTQ™ Engine Dynamometer.

Interface has established itself as a leader in force measurement technology. With a rich history of supporting the automotive racing industry, the company’s products are trusted by leading racing teams and manufacturers to provide the data to build and maintain championship-winning cars. Interface’s commitment to precision and reliability has made it a cornerstone of racing engineering, where slight improvements can lead to significant gains on the track.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Trends in Torque Transducer Applications in the Auto Industry

Vacuum Testing for Automotive Performance

Accelerating Automotive Excellence in the Test Lab

Advancing Auto Testing with Interface Measurement Solutions

Building a Championship Racing Car White Paper