DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF THE REAR WING BRACKET OF A FORMULA STUDENT RACING CAR

Polymer composite materials have found widespread application in race vehicles. By reducing the weight of parts without compromising on strength, it is possible to enhance the dynamic performance of race cars. The aim of this research is to reduce the weight of a rear wing bracket. Carbon fiber plastics have a specific strength and stiffness that is several times higher than the same properties of aluminium alloys. However, the effectiveness of using composites significantly decreases if the load does not follow the fiber's direction. In contrast, metals are isotropic, meaning they do not change their properties when the loading direction is altered. However, in cases of grid structures, unidirectional composites outperform metals. Grid structures are constructed in such a way that the materials function mainly along the reinforcements, allowing the unique properties of composites to manifest in the structure. Therefore, it was decided to design a lattice composite bracket. Wet winding was selected as the production technique. During the work, processes of designing and manufacturing of a rear wing bracket for a Formula Student car were considered. The technological process of manufacturing this product was developed. A prototype weighing 386 grams was more than twice lighter than the previous version of this bracket (900 grams).