Steering Analysis of a Formula Renault Car Using Data Acquisition

The aim of this research is to analyse the cornering behaviour of a Formula Renault car by using data acquisition systems. The car specifications and its existing data acquisition system are described and need of certain upgrades is assessed. Oversteer and understeer phenomenon of a race car and the associated dynamics is discussed. The different ways of determining whether the car is oversteering or understeering is found by setting up Math Channels. The operation of the onboard logger in preparation to record the car's track test data is discussed after its setup that involved the calibration & verification of several sensors. Once the track test was conducted, the results are analysed by data interpretation techniques needed in identifying if the car is oversteering or understeering by noticing certain traces on Motec I2 Pro from conducted track tests data. The lap runs were performed on Snetterton Race Circuit. The car's setup was then fine tuned in order to counteract oversteer/understeer to provide improved laptimes.