Masterclass: Designing Spring Rates
for Race Cars

This masterclass begins with a detailed discussion on the fundamentals of spring design, covering topics such as coil spring calculations, motion ratios, pre-load, anti-roll bars, 3rd element springs, and more. Participants will learn to set design goals and calculate spring rates, with an extensive discussion on frequencies. Practical calculation examples are included throughout. This four-hour, hands-on masterclass equips participants with immediately applicable skills for use in the workshop.

This pragmatic, four-hour masterclass is structured in the following key steps:

  1. Fundamentals of Springs
    • Understanding the relationship between a torsion bar and a coil spring
    • Calculating a coil spring
    • Linear vs progressive coil springs
    • Analysis of parallel and serial spring configurations
    • Influence of push/pull rod mechanisms on spring rates
    • Motion Ratio: analyzing spring deflection vs wheel travel, for both springs and dampers
    • Creating a progressive spring rate at the wheel with a linear main spring
    • Understanding pre-load: its purpose and function
    • Anti-roll bars: their function and calculation
    • 3rd element springs: function and calculation
    • Demonstrating the relationship between the main spring, anti-roll bar, and 3rd element spring
    • Understanding the role of springs in distributing the front static load percentage, front load transfer, and front roll resistance
  2. Spring Design Process
    • Setting design goals and working through the process step-by-step
    • Geometric construction of the roll arm and pitch arm (force-based)
    • Calculation of the roll moment and pitch moment
    • Calculating the required spring rates at the wheel
    • Calculating the main spring rates and anti-roll bar rates
  3. Frequencies
    • Calculating the frequency per wheel (useful for damper analysis at a later stage)
    • Locating the dynamic bounce and motion centers
  4. Practical Calculations
    • Participants will perform calculations during the workshop
    • Final calculations for roll-angle and pitch-angle will be completed

After completing this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Analyze the current springs in their race car
  • Design new springs tailored to their specific needs The practical skills acquired can be implemented immediately in the workshop.

Participants will receive a full-color copy of the workshop slides for future reference.

For more information about the workshop leader and his book, visit: www.handlingracingcars.com.

There is a €250 (+ German VAT) fee attached to this masterclass. Please purchase your pass, by clicking below.

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