Testing and Validation of the FRC08 Formula Student Race Car at the ZalaZONE Automotive Test Track

Abstract

The development and adjustment process of a race car consists of countless steps that require a lot of decisions to be made. These decisions can only be effective if we have the right amount and quality of information. A significant part of this information is provided by computer simulations, which, unfortunately, often do not cover reality due to the inaccuracy and error of the model setup. A simulation can be considered credible if certain elements of it can be replicated in reality or give almost the same results. In order to map the characteristics of the tire on the FRC08 car of the BME Motorsport Formula Student racing team, we carried out tire temperature measurements. The tests were carried out at the ZalaZONE automotive test track, which provides a unique opportunity and working environment internationally for testing and validation of simulation models. Getting to know the behaviour of the race car in as much detail as possible also revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicle. This provides the team with the opportunity to adjust the optimal operating parameters of the vehicle and provides appropriate information for the development of a new racing car.