Racing teams frequently optimize their competition vehicles that participate in the world's biggest auto races using 3D scanners, such as the range offered by the Artec 3D brand, manufacturer of 3D scanning hardware and software.
In motorsport, victory often comes down to minute gaps. A few tenths of a second may seem negligible, but the accumulation of these delays will benefit those who have optimized their performance.
In Formula 1, each team designs and manufactures its car from scratch. Although some are inspired by others, the very essence of the competition is based on a true “development race”. In practice, manufacturers redesign floors, side spoilers, front fenders, rear fenders and other aerodynamic parts, so cars can glide through the air more efficiently.
In single-model races (one-designs), technical innovation is more restricted. The engineers then focus on optimizing the settings.
3D scanning can help teams with precise aerodynamic simulation models for racing vehicles. These models then help engineers optimize settings to reduce aerodynamic drag and reduce lap times on the track.
-Clearly, it is a question of having exact measurements, scanned from racing vehicles, in order to produce simulation tools.
“When a vehicle is selected to participate in a race, changes and modifications are not allowed. However, it is possible to give it the best possible configuration. 3D scanning allows us to carry out a whole range of simulation work , virtually, to create a physical model”explains Jon Paton, project manager at Catesby Projects.
3D scanning can help expand the types of physical and computational testing to optimize vehicle performance when teams, whether small or large, work on their premises.
“With these devices, it usually takes us two days to scan a race car on site. With the Artec Ray II scanner, we take the car apart and scan it completely in around four hours.”explains Jon Paton.
