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Martin Buchan

We will approach the job of designing a F1 bodywork from scratch together and design a parametric model, that will allow us to change the bodywork quickly to different bodywork concepts.

The basis for this is a simplified F1 car without bodywork.

You will learn how to efficiently design complex aero parts, that can be changed without losing development time to bring updates quicker to the track.

We will start with general thoughts about aero design, which is the combination of aerodynamic development and designing parts, which can be produced.

Read more

We will approach the job of designing a F1 bodywork from scratch together and design a parametric model, that will allow us to change the bodywork quickly to different bodywork concepts.

The basis for this is a simplified F1 car without bodywork.

You will learn how to efficiently design complex aero parts, that can be changed without losing development time to bring updates quicker to the track.

We will start with general thoughts about aero design, which is the combination of aerodynamic development and designing parts, which can be produced.

We will then approach the job of designing a bodywork like an F1 engineer would do and design every detail together step by step.

While designing we will keep in mind that it should be possible to change the design quickly later on.

After the initial design is finalized, we will change the bodywork to create different aerodynamic flow structures that help us to make the car faster. These will include high downwash designs, large undercut designs, size zero and shrink wrap design.

Finally, we will learn about legality. Why is it important to design legal parts, especially for small teams? How do I build in mechanisms into my design to avoid designing illegal parts? And how do we check for legality efficiently?

If you are seeking a career in F1 and/or are a F1 fan and want to know more about how to design a F1 car, this is the right course for you.

Best,

Martin

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Design complex aerodynamic parts.
  • Design an efficient parametric model to save time.
  • Knowledge about which bodywork types and concepts are there.
  • Knowledge of how to check legality on your parts.

Syllabus

Module 1: Welcome To The Course

Quick Introduction and the course's structure

General Understanding of CAD Design
CAD Design In General
Read more
In depth knowledge of how to design a complex F1 bodywork with multiple parts
Introduction, Description of the design job, How do we approach this design job?
Side Pod Design Part 1
Side Pod Design Part 2
Side Pod Design Part 3
Side Pod Design Part 4
Air Intake
Engine Cover Part 1
Engine Cover Part 2
Shark Fin
The Assembly
The Trim File
You will learn how to check your bodywork for legality
Legality Part 1
Legality Part 2
Legality Part 3
Different Bodywork Concepts and Designs
Smooth Design
Size Zero Part 1
Size Zero Part 2
Shrink Wrap
Summary
Special Designs
Undercut Design
High Downwash Part 1
High Downwash Part 2
High Downwash Part 3

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Offers a step-by-step approach to designing F1 bodywork, mirroring the workflow of an F1 engineer, which provides practical insights into the field
Focuses on parametric modeling, which allows for rapid design changes and updates, a crucial skill in the fast-paced world of F1 development
Covers legality checks for F1 parts, which is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties, especially for smaller teams with limited resources
Explores various bodywork concepts like high downwash, undercut, size zero, and shrink wrap designs, exposing learners to a range of aerodynamic strategies
Requires CAD software proficiency, which may necessitate additional training for individuals without prior experience in computer-aided design

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in F1 Aero Design (Bodywork) with these activities:
Review CAD Software Fundamentals
Strengthen your CAD skills to better understand the software used in the course and design complex F1 bodywork.
Browse courses on Parametric Modeling
Show steps
  • Complete online tutorials on CAD software basics.
  • Practice creating simple 3D models.
  • Familiarize yourself with parametric modeling techniques.
Read 'Aerodynamics for Racing Cars'
Build a strong foundation in aerodynamics to better understand the forces acting on an F1 car.
Show steps
  • Read the book carefully, focusing on the fundamental principles.
  • Take notes and create diagrams to visualize the concepts.
  • Relate the concepts to the design of F1 bodywork.
Read 'Competition Car Aerodynamics'
Gain a deeper understanding of aerodynamic principles to inform your F1 bodywork design decisions.
Show steps
  • Read the book chapter by chapter.
  • Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
  • Relate the concepts to F1 car design.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Follow Advanced CAD Tutorials
Refine your CAD skills by following advanced tutorials that focus on complex surface modeling and parametric design techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on advanced CAD techniques.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Apply the techniques to your own F1 bodywork designs.
Design a Simplified F1 Bodywork Concept
Apply the knowledge gained in the course to design a complete F1 bodywork concept, reinforcing your understanding of aerodynamic principles and design techniques.
Show steps
  • Research existing F1 bodywork designs.
  • Sketch your own bodywork concept.
  • Create a 3D model of your design.
  • Analyze the aerodynamic performance of your design.
Create a Presentation on F1 Bodywork Legality
Solidify your understanding of F1 regulations by creating a presentation that explains the rules and guidelines for bodywork design.
Show steps
  • Research F1 bodywork regulations.
  • Organize the information into a presentation format.
  • Include visuals and examples to illustrate the rules.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete F1 Aero Design (Bodywork) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Formula One Aerodynamics Engineer
A Formula One Aerodynamics Engineer works directly on designing and developing aerodynamic components for Formula One race cars. This engineer analyzes airflow, optimizes downforce, and minimizes drag to improve vehicle performance on the track. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the process of designing F1 bodywork from scratch, making it highly relevant for aspiring Formula One Aerodynamics Engineers. From learning how to design complex aero parts to understanding different bodywork concepts, this course provides a strong foundation for a career in this highly specialized field.
Race Car Designer
A Race Car Designer develops the overall design and specifications of race cars. This involves collaboration with engineers and other staff to create a competitive vehicle. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring Race Car Designers by offering a thorough look into the design of F1 bodywork. The course's emphasis on designing complex aero parts, exploring various bodywork concepts, and ensuring legal compliance directly aligns with the responsibilities of a Race Car Designer. The course’s overview of parametric design also helps to improve efficiency.
Motorsports Engineer
A Motorsports Engineer works in the design, development, and testing of racing vehicles and their components. This role requires a thorough understanding of vehicle dynamics and performance. This course is specifically focused on the design of F1 bodywork, making it highly relevant for future Motorsports Engineers. It provides a detailed introduction to the design of complex aero parts and exploring various bodywork concepts. This course’s focus on parametric design and legality is important to the role. The course can provide a strong introduction to this field.
Automotive Aerodynamicist
An Automotive Aerodynamicist focuses on the study of airflow over vehicles to improve performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. This role involves designing and optimizing vehicle shapes and components using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing. This course, with its focus on designing complex aerodynamic parts and understanding different bodywork concepts, directly aligns with the responsibilities of an Automotive Aerodynamicist. The course's emphasis on creating parametric models helps develop the ability to efficiently test and modify designs, a key part of this role.
Design Engineer
A Design Engineer is involved in the conceptualization, development, and design of new products and systems. This role is critical to the product development process. This course helps develop core skills in generating complex designs, with a focus on the specifics of F1 bodywork. The course's emphasis on creating parametric models helps the Design Engineer work more efficiently. The various bodywork concepts introduced in this course also add to a Design Engineer’s vocabulary and ability to adapt.
CAD Designer
A CAD Designer uses computer aided design software to create technical drawings and models for products and components. This role requires proficiency in CAD software and attention to detail. This course helps build a foundation in CAD design by teaching the reader how to design a complex F1 bodywork with multiple parts. The course's emphasis on creating complex aerodynamic parts and utilizing parametric models to save time is directly applicable to the work of a CAD Designer. Further, a CAD Designer will find the course’s focus on legality checks to be helpful.
Mechanical Design Engineer
A Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of mechanical components and systems. This role is concerned with the functionality and manufacturability of mechanical designs. This course helps teach core skills in generating complex designs. The focus on creating parametric models directly translates to the Mechanical Design Engineer role, allowing for efficient design iterations. The various bodywork concepts introduced in this course allow one to build a design vocabulary when working within a mechanical context.
Research Engineer
A Research Engineer is involved in the design, development, and testing of new technologies and products. Their work often involves experimentation, data analysis and the creation of prototypes. This course helps build a foundation in design and parametric modeling which directly support the work of a research engineer. The course's approach to designing complex aerodynamic parts and understanding different bodywork concepts is helpful for a research engineer who develops products based on aerodynamic principles. It may also help those who design mechanisms that are not aerodynamic in nature, but require a complex assembly process.
Technical Designer
A Technical Designer creates detailed technical specifications and drawings for a variety of products and systems. This role requires a precise understanding of design principles and drafting techniques. The focus of this course is on design and, therefore, fits the responsibilities of a Technical Designer. Learning how to design complex aero parts using CAD software helps a Technical Designer to better create their own designs. The course's focus on legality is important to this role. The course also introduces various bodywork concepts for future inspiration.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer utilizes simulations to analyze fluid flow and heat transfer. This work impacts many industries, particularly in the optimization of product designs. Although this course does not explicitly discuss CFD, the core concepts of aerodynamic development and design of complex parts will help an aspiring Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer. Learning about parametric design allows the engineer to modify designs more easily, which is an important part of simulation. The course’s exploration of different bodywork concepts also provides useful background knowledge for this role.
Simulation Engineer
A Simulation Engineer uses computer models to simulate and analyze the performance of a product or system. This role contributes to product development and optimization. This course’s introduction to modeling and design will be useful. By focusing on how to design a complex bodywork, the course helps future Simulation Engineers to understand all the various considerations that go into design. Understanding design will make it easier to create useful simulations. The course's approach to parametric design is also beneficial for simulations and further design improvements.
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They work with aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials. The ability to design complex aerodynamic parts, which is taught in this course, is essential for an Aerospace Engineer. While this course is focused on Formula One designs, the underlying principles of aerodynamic design and parametric modeling are transferable to the aerospace industry. Anyone pursuing aerospace engineering may find the course's approach to designing for performance and legality to be worthwhile.
Automotive Engineer
An Automotive Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and production of vehicles and their components. This broad role often requires expertise in various engineering disciplines. Although this course is focused on F1 bodywork, the core principles of aerodynamic design and parametric modeling are directly transferable to the role of Automotive Engineer. The ability to efficiently design complex parts and understand different bodywork concepts is useful for anyone working in the automotive field. The course may be useful for those working on various car components.
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
A Vehicle Dynamics Engineer focuses on the handling, stability, and performance of vehicles. This role involves testing and modeling how vehicles respond to driver inputs and road conditions. This course, with its focus on aerodynamic design and different bodywork concepts, may be useful for a Vehicle Dynamics Engineer. The ability to design complex parts and parametrically change them will allow a Vehicle Dynamics Engineer to see the effects of design changes on the performance of a vehicle. The course emphasizes performance and legality, which is helpful background.
Product Designer
A Product Designer is responsible for the overall design and user experience of a product. This role involves understanding user needs and translating them into functional and aesthetically pleasing designs. Although this course does not directly focus on user experience, its emphasis on design and parametric modeling is useful to the Product Designer. The course's approach to designing complex parts and being able to quickly modify designs translates to improved efficiency in product development. The various bodywork concepts introduced may also inspire innovative designs.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in F1 Aero Design (Bodywork).
Provides a comprehensive overview of aerodynamic principles as they apply to race cars. It covers topics such as downforce generation, drag reduction, and airflow management. It valuable resource for understanding the aerodynamic concepts discussed in the course and applying them to F1 bodywork design. This book is commonly used by motorsport engineers and students.
Provides a more fundamental understanding of aerodynamics, covering the basic principles and how they apply to racing cars. It's useful for building a strong foundation in the subject. While not F1-specific, it provides the underlying knowledge necessary to understand more advanced concepts. This book great reference for those new to aerodynamics.

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