Data Analysis Fundamentals: Driver Development vs Chassis/Engine Development
Driver Development vs Chassis/Engine Development
02.39
00:00 | - It's important to understand that datalogging and analysis is a very large and complex topic. |
00:06 | There are literally thousands of sensors available in the motorsport market for analysing just about any parameter you can think of. |
00:13 | From laser ride height sensors and shock travel potentiometers to exhaust lambda, crank case pressure, steering angle and even driver perspiration and heart rate. |
00:24 | Everything can be measured. |
00:26 | This is also daunting to anyone looking at purchasing a logging setup as each sensor adds to the cost and complexity of the system. |
00:34 | The key is understanding what will bring you the most value so that you can then decide on what sensors are necessary to do the job without blowing your budget. |
00:42 | In general, I separate datalogging into three areas. |
00:47 | Firstly, we can analyse the engine performance. |
00:50 | This could consist of monitoring the engine health with sensors tracking aspects such as oil pressure, fuel pressure, coolant temperature and air/fuel ratio, just to name a few. |
01:01 | These sensors let the engineer or engine tuner make sure that the engine is running safely within defined limits and can also be used to help optimise or improve the engine tuning under real world conditions. |
01:14 | The right data here can also let you know if there's potentially something wrong with the engine that warrants further investigation. |
01:21 | For example it's not going to matter how deep you intend to brake at turn one at your local racetrack or what line you have plotted to negotiate the corner if you've got two rods hanging out the side of the engine block because your engine is suffering from oil starvation. |
01:36 | The second area we can analyse is the vehicle or chassis performance. |
01:40 | This is a very large topic and can involve analysis of the suspension performance, braking system and even the aerodynamic loads experienced while racing. |
01:51 | While large gains can certainly be made with this sort of data, the analysis quickly gets quite complex and in depth analysis is beyond the scope of most enthusiasts. |
02:00 | We will however cover some of the more basic methods for analysing chassis or suspension changes that you can use without needing specialist sensors. |
02:09 | The third area of analysis and the primary focus of this course is the driver. |
02:14 | While even the best driver in the world is going to struggle to get great lap times out of an evil handing chassis that's poorly set up, in general terms we found that this is the area that the most performance can be gained for the least cost and effort. |
02:28 | In performance terms, improving your driving is the low hanging fruit of the motorsport world and we'll teach you how to pick them in this course. |