Racing Car Design and Development

Download or read book Racing Car Design and Development written by Len Terry and published by Bentley Pub. This book was released on 1973 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dialogue between one of the world's most experienced racing car designers and a technical author-graduate engineer on the theory and technique of racing car design and development. Contents include: The anatomy of a racing car designer; biography of Len Terry; description of nearly 30 Terry designs from clubman's sports car to Indianapolis winner; a blank sheet of paper; handling characteristics; the theoretical aspects; oversteer and understeer; practical implications; structural considerations; space-frames and monocoques; the cockpit area; the structural engine; progress and legislation; suspension; changing needs and layouts; the torsion bar; self-levelling systems; anti-dive and anti-squat; progressive-rate springing; stiffness/weight ratio; brakes, wheels and tires; influence of smaller wheels; twin-disc brake systems; attention to details; low-profile tire phenomena; aerodynamics; wings and things; intake ram effect; ground effect vehicles; the cooling system; radiator location; cooling the oil; safety and comfort; primary and secondary safety; driver comfort; materials; components-ball joints, batteries, brakes, clutches, dampers, drive-shafts, electrics, flexible bearings, flexible fuel cells, gearshift linkages, instruments, non-return valves, non-spill fuel fillers, oil and fuel pipes, Perspex mouldings, radiators, springs and steering gear; design versus development; the competition-nine other racing car designers discussed; future developments.