Presentation on Material Selection in F1 cars

[G37Sam]

So I have a presentation due for a Materials Selection course, I thought I'd go for something that has to do with Formula 1 since I'm an addict of that sport (cheers to that), and am in need of some ideas.

I was thinking I'd talk about the CF Monocoque to start. Then I went to go deeper into the engine itself, I'm sure there's lots of fancy material used there due to tight tolerances and massive heat. Maybe talk about the exhaust pipe as well.

Any ideas thrown my way would be appreciated

Sam

[Caito]

Don't know much about that.

To get you started(so you can choose more precisely).

I believe the exhaust is Inconel.

They once (now banned) use beryllium for the engine pistons.

"Teams started using exotic alloys in the late 1990s, leading to the FIA banning the use of exotic materials in engine construction, and only aluminium and iron alloys were allowed for the pistons, cylinders, connecting rods, and crankshafts." (Wikipedia)

Maybe you can get something interesting in gearboxes. Some teams( Renault, if not wrong) used a CF gearbox case.


This may help too:

http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/rules ... 9/fia.html

[Raptor22]

you're opening yourself to an interesting learning curve where you will discover that the materials used are not as exotic as some may think.

Carbon tubs: Toray T1000/T800 carbon weave.
Body work is usually around T400 Carbon weave

Engines blocks: Castable aluminium alloy, probably 4000 series
Pistons made from a forgable grade. I forget the number.
PIston liners could be Nickasil ( a nickel aluminium silicon alloy)
crankshafts are forged steel, I'm not sure of the grade.

Exhausts could be of titanium alloy (better heat discipation or steel alloy (better longevity)

keep us up to date.

Don't believe everything you read on Wiki wrt to this project. best to find out which manufactures are usied for fabrication.

[marcush.]

titanium is not on for exhaust headers -needs to be thicker wall compared to inconel ,so the weight advantage is nullified)

Inconel 625/ 718 is the material of choice

sheetmetal fabrications :
1.7734.4/5 (15CDV6)



6AL-4v titanium (Conrod)

1.8515 / 30CD12 /722M24(crankshaft)

[G37Sam]

Thanks for your responses fellas, I'll look into

I'm also thinking of writing something up on the brakes, ceramics were a huge part of my materials course

Maybe a section on tires as well, the different tire compounds