Abstract
The World's First Sustainable Racing Car was a life-size fully functioning Formula 3 Racing Car made primarily from sustainable and renewable resources. Academics from the University of Warwick's Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (Kirwan K, Maggs S, Meredith J) created the idea and organised a consortium of material developer's, academics and Industry to produce the required parts. It was produced during a cross-discipline AHRC project developing natural fibre and eco-composite materials at Ulster. This 3D woven near-net shaped bargeboard component was produced as a static demonstrator to show the potential for aerodynamic parts to be produced using flax reinforced composites.The shape profile, fixing brackets and resin penetration through the flax weave were a particular challenge, but overall, the car has been a phenomenal success. Global publicity in print and media, high profile appearances at International racing events and academic presentations have helped make this project a resounding success.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 27 Mar 2009 |
Bibliographical note
University of Warwick academics: Dr Steve Maggs, Dr Kerry Kirwan and Dr James MeredithKeywords
- Natural Fibre Composites
- Sustainable motorsport
- Eco-materials design
- Aerodynamic parts