The theory and practice of race-vehicle data acquisition and analysis in motorsports engineering education

Abstract

Motorsports Engineering has currently reached an unprecedented level of technical sophistication. This unique field of engineering specialization is at the vanguard of automotive research and development for terrestrial transportation. It deals with high performance ground-vehicles, engines, and conventional and alternative fuels that are subjected to extreme conditions in race competitions. At the heart of ground-vehicle racing is data acquisition and analysis. Virtually every racecar in motorsports competitions is equipped with computerized systems that help engineers, technicians and drivers to measure vehicle-physical parameters, understand and evaluate car driver behavior and interaction, and implement strategies to optimize overall performance. This paper discusses the principles and practice of data acquisition and analysis under real-world conditions, a core aspect of education and training of motorsports engineering and technology students at Old Dominion University of Virginia. Race-vehicle parameters, such as: engine rotational speed (RPM), lateral and longitudinal acceleration, vehicle speed, track position, and steering angle, are examined in the context of racecar testing at the track of the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) of Danville, Virginia. General configurations of modern data acquisition systems for race competitions, and integration of camera systems, GPS, and track mapping are also discussed. Examples of procedures for collection of data at the race and data analysis are presented, in order to illustrate the emphasis and educational character of ODU's motorsports engineering curricula, i.e.: Integration of theory and practice at real-life race track facilities, and racecar competitions. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2009.