STRUCTURE WEIGHT
Any ballast required can be carried anywhere in the car.
Bring the ballast you require to scrutineering NO ballast
will be provided by the scrutineers.
USE OF ELECTRONICS:
If teams elect to use electronics the total
BALLAST + SOLAR ARRAY WEIGHT required will
be INCREASED BY 20 % over the value as calculated
above.
TEST CRITERIA All references to car behaviour and measurements assume
The car is on a flat level section of track in full racing
configuration.
SOME OF THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CAR PERFORMANCE:
While we are thinking of how a winning car is built, we should take time for an overview
of the factors which influence car performance. Below is a list of areas of car
construction and design that can have a significant influence on performance. The
influence can vary from slight all the way up to stopping the car from running depending
on the severity of the defect.
MOTOR:
- Voltage, power, torque constant and voltage constant must suit solar panel
selected. - Should be high efficiency & preferably lightweight
- Not worn or damaged
BEARINGS:
- Clean and undamaged
- Correctly installed with no preload.
- Lubricated with light oil (we have found INOX to be best) we have measured
bearings running without lubrication to have 250% more friction than lubricated
bearings.
ELECTRONICS:
- High efficiency at operating point