Engineering Disciplines of Formula-1 Car

16923033
Fritz M. D. Tarigan

Multidiscipline engineering is common in creating a product with an ergonomic goal. What’s

Multidiscipline engineering? It is part of the development process which involves many
specialties, techniques, and knowledge, all combined to achieve a unified objective. In
Formula 1 racing, engineering decisions are critical. F1 is all about speed and innovation,
thus main meticulous considerations in aerodynamics, materials, and engines all for enhanced
performance. This showcases the importance of thoughtful product and component choices in
pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and racing.

Overall, the dimensions commonly used by F1’s are as follows:

Fig 1. Dimensions Sketch of F1

Source: Formula One Car: Anatomy - A Comprehensive Guide

In addition to the permitted dimensions, there is also a minimum weight limit that engineers
must meet, which is 740kg, including the driver. Therefore, the choice of materials is crucial,
as they need to be lightweight while still possessing high strength against pressure.
 Fig 2. Exploded Material View of F1

Source: O'rourke, 2016

In terms of material, the material used in the monocoque section (purple) is a zylon carbon
fiber composite. The composite monocoque found in F1 cars boasts remarkable stiffness,
which serves to effectively transfer impact forces into the structure, enabling it to absorb
greater loads without incurring damage. Additional materials utilized in the fabrication of
Formula 1 cars encompass polymeric fibers like aramids and highly oriented polyethylene
filaments. Nonetheless, aramids fall short when pitted against the superior strength of
intermediate modulus carbon fibers, especially when combined with thermoplastic-reinforced
epoxies. Nevertheless, aramids are still required for specific applications, notably within the
front wing end plates and other aerodynamic components situated at the car's front and rear
wing (orange).
 Fig 3. Exploded Components View of F1

Source: barge board – Franky F1 Aerodynamics

In terms of aerodynamics, every aspect of F1 design contributes to the aerodynamic elements.

This can be illustrated as shown in the illustration below:

Fig 4. Aerodynamics of F1 (1) Fig 5. Aerodynamics of F1 (2)

 Fig 6. Aerodynamics of F1 (3)

Source Fig (4, 5, 6, 7): Animagraff | Youtube

A key aspect of aerodynamics in F1 cars is generating downforce to maintain

maneuverability and stability during high-speed cornering. This is achieved by shaping the
front wing (fig 3 part: 14, 15, 16, 17) to create high pressure above it and low pressure below,
resulting in suction force known as downforce. The entire car, including the monocoque (fig
4 part 50) and rear wing (fig 4 part: 46 & 47), is designed to distribute downforce evenly.
However, this design is a compromise between speed and control, leading to a higher drag
coefficient (0.7-1.0) compared to SUVs (0.35-0.45) due to exposed wheels and various small
wings. To reduce drag on straightaways, F1 cars employ devices like the Drag Reduction
System (DRS) Actuator located on the rear wing flap.

Fig 6. DRS Actuator

When going at high speeds, where maneuverability is less needed, the DRS Actuator will be
activated to adjust the angle of attack of the rear wing to a much horizontal level. When that’s
the case, the difference between the high-low pressure is minimized thus creating less drag.
 Fig 7. Exploded View of F1 Power System

Source:Motorsport.com

In terms of engine, F1 car power generator consisting of a system of 1,6 liters V6 ICE,
Turbocharger, MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat), MGU-K (Motor Generator
Unit-Kinetic), and energy store (battery) as shown in fig 7.

Fig 8. Exploded View of F1 ICE

Source: V6 ENGINE | Overview | Wikifactory

The first component is the 1,6 liters V6 ICE which works in a four-stroke cycle,
1. Intake: Piston descents, sucking and air-fuel mixture into the cylinder through the
intake port, with four intake valves open
 2. Compression: when all valves closed, the piston comes back up, compressing the
fuel-air mixture for combustion
3. Power stroke: an electrical spark ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture thus the
combustion forces the piston to the bottom of the cylinder again. The connecting rod
transfers the power to the crankshaft that drives the wheel
4. Exhaust: The piston comes back up, pushing the spent mixture out through open
exhaust valves and the exhaust port.

To create a smooth power delivery, the pistons take turns firing. Another engine component is
the camshaft which is connected to the valves. However, the difference between a road car
and a F1 engine lies in the RPM, where an F1 engine can revs up to 15.000 RPM, which
means the combustion happens a lot more than a normal road car.

Fig 8. Turbo System

Source: Animagraff | Youtube

The next component is the turbocharger, which compresses air back into the engine thus
generating more power. Turbochargers consist of the turbine and the compressor. Hot gasses
from the exhaust ICE drives the turbine wheel then spins the compressor wheel that draws
and compresses huge quantities of air which then get cooled by the intercooler. The product
of the turbocharger system is a denser air that gets fed back into the ICE thus generating more
power. The difference with F1 turbochargers is that between the turbine wheel and the
compressor wheel, there is an MGU-H unit

Fig 9. MGU-H

Source: Animagraff | Youtube

MGU-H unit is part of the ERS (Energy Recovery System) that uses excess heat energy from
the turbine wheel to generate electricity that charges the onboard battery. Other than MGU-H,
there’s also MGU-K that utilizes waste kinetic energy when breaking to generate electricity.
When the battery’s charged, it will send back the electricity through the MGU-K which is
geared to the crankshaft. The amount of HP produced by the ERS system alone is about
160HP, thus the total amount of HP produced is about 1050H that pushes F1 to the top speed
of 360 km/h.
Fig 9. ERS System

Source: Animagraff | Youtube

In conclusion, there are many disciplines involved in Formula 1 cars; material science,
aerodynamic science, and mechanical engineering. Material science assures the material
chosen is light but still maintains stiffness, aerodynamics ensures great downforce and
control, while mechanical engineering produces a system that’s efficient thus producing high
speeds. F1 can only be defined as F1 if all those systems work simultaneously. In other
words, multidiscipline engineering is crucial and needed in every scenario in achieving an
end product with an ergonomic goal.
 References
1. O’Rourke, B. P. (2016). Formula 1 Applications of Composite Materials. Reference
Module in Materials Science and Materials Engineering. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-
803581-8.03964-3
2. Thomas, G. P. (2013). Material Used In Formula One (F1) Cars. AZO Materials.
Materials Used In Formula One (F1) Cars (azom.com)
3. Formula-1 Dictionary. (n.d.). Aerodynamics Of F1. Aerodynamics of F1
(formula1-dictionary.net)
4. Animagraffs. (2021). How A Formula 1 Race Car Works [video]. Youtube. (100) How
a Formula 1 Race Car Works - YouTube

Author

Name : Fritz Michael Dominic Tarigan

NIM : 16923033
Gender : Male
Birth : Jakarta, 18 Juli 2005
University : Institute of Technology of Bandung
Faculty : Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Address : Grand Wisata River Town, Kabupaten Bekasi
Number : 08808104403
Email : fritzm.tarigan@gmail.com