Our Journey and Experiences
The F1 in Schools challenge is all about learning. Here are some of the highlights.
Great day spent with Aeropower. We investigated low drag designs and in discussions with Roy and his staff we were able to develop the front pod for our Nationals car, using behaviour of helicopter blades and how they cut the air. This lead to the front wing being developed and our learning about how paint can reduce drag.
Thank you to the team at Aeropower.
Electronic and Mechanical Calibrations have been a great help with developing our race car. Carlos has given his time to us generously. EMC calibrates and tests equipment for companies like Virgin airlines and government agencies. He has assisted us in understanding the dynamic of thrust and the variation of gas cylinders being used. Carlos has also helped us find further sponsors such as Adrian Little for machining our wheels. Thank-you Carlos for your help. The cars performance is testament to our learning and your collaboration.
Adrian Little Design and Manufacturing assisted us in machining our wheels from acytel. We have learned traditional processes involved in turning wheels by hand to machining wheels using G code and programing the lathe. Adrian was keen to look at our processes used in milling our car and compare this code to the code used in his workshop. Adrian sometimes still programs machining processes himself and has an extensive knowledge of G code.
Adrian Little
Design and Manufacturing
Rapid prototyping is invaluable in developing our car design ideas. Using the prototying does have its tricks to get a high finish on the parts. Through collaboration with Layerform STL our manufacturing engineer Bronte developed skills to produce all the parts needed for our car.
3D Printing systems supplied the plastic ABS for the car also. A hint to the wise, don’t use the coloured plastic as the dye affects the quality. Use the white and have the parts painted
Wayne Chalmers from School Community Relations has been supporting our school and F1 teams from the beginning. Wayne has worked with us in coaching for our verbal presentation. We are grateful for his help in building our confidence in presenting.
Jt Press have been invaluable in assisting us in designing the pit display. Understanding the different types of materials used and how to layout the display makes our team booth shine. As a graphic designer Tara-lee and Resource manager Bronte, the advice on colour and design was welcome.
Nordon Cylinders have been a great sponsor for REA and F1 in schools. Norm from Nordon was good enough to give us a tour of his factory and offer us advice on preparing for the nationals. Nordon have sponsored us in advice and by providing the line tensioning system to the school at a very reduced cost. Thanks Norm for you continued support in F1. The students do appreciate it.