Dynamic of Machines - Essay Example

Dynamics of Machines: Engines in Racing Cars Introduction The nature of motor sport with its main need to be competitive places high demands on every part of the racing car engine. The kinetic and dynamic characteristics of the power transmission system is key to the optimal functioning of the engine in a racing car. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the demands on the engine, and to identify ways to better transmission systems. Discussion Kimberley (2008) asserts that the capabilities and functions of power transmission systems is the key element in motor sports today.

The gear box is the functional link between the engine and the driving wheels. Racing car drivers require as quick a shift as possible. Not only is there a change in characteristics of the modern race engine, there is also an increasing awareness of the importance of transmission in a racing car. In order to make Formula 1 Racing more environmental friendly, transmission firms Torotrak and Xtrac are developing a highly efficient transmission system capable of capturing, storing and reusing kinetic energy from racing cars.

The new technology with the help of a flywheel, will recover and store kinetic energy during deceleration that can then be used for acceleration; thus providing highly efficient kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) for motorsport. “Torotrak’s patented Toroidal Traction Drive Variator provides a continuous and variable ratio connection between the flywheel and the vehicle driveline via the gearbox” (PE 2007, p.14). Mechanical efficiency greater than 90% is obtained by advanced construction of the flywheel.

The system not only optimizes performance, but also cuts carbon-dioxide emissions. According to Griffo & Lauria (2005), increasing stability-related aspects is essential for achieving improved generation and transmission structures. For improving the dynamic behaviour of electrical power systems, transmission-line reclosure is an efficient structural action. The new technique for computing the optimal reclosure time of a transmission line is based on optimal control strategies for switched dynamic systems.

This method allows the use of high-order modelling, including control-system and relay action. Numerical simulations substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy which increases system stability and improves damping oscillations. In applications where elevated transmission ratios are required, especially in the automobile field, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have developed significantly. Their advantages are high in terms of car handling and efficiency of driving.

A power split CVT has an original functional solution which allows the generation of a power flow without recirculation; this results in its greater power and efficiency in comparison with the single CVT. “Kinetic characteristics of single-component devices are obtained and the power split CVT system’s efficiency is determined” by taking into account how the efficiency of the component devices is altered as a function of operating conditions (Mantriota 2001). Conclusion This paper has highlighted the need for competitive performance of engines in motor sport.

The ways in which the kinetic and dynamic characteristics can be optimized for better transmission systems in the engines, have been examined. New technology with the help of a flywheel to recover and store energy, transmission-line reclosure, and using power split CVT have been found to increase the performance of racing cars. ReferencesGriffo, A. & Lauria, D. (2005). Optimal reclosure time for improving power-system dynamic behaviour. Institution of Electrical Engineers Proceedings, Generation, Transmission & Distribution. 152 (6): 939-945.

Kimberley, W. (2008). Gearboxes and the challenges of racing. Euro Auto, January, 2008: pp.10-12. Mantriota, G. (2001). Power split continuously variable transmission systems with high efficiency. Proceedings Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 215, Part D. PE (2007). Race cars get set to go greener: transmission firms develop systems to capture and reuse kinetic energy on racetrack. Professional Engineering, 13th June, 2007: p.14.