Optimal tyre usage for a Formula One car. Issue 10 (2nd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tremlett, A. J.; Limebeer, D. J. N.
• Is Part Of: Vehicle system dynamics. Volume 54:Issue 10(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1448
• Page End: 1473
• Publication Date: 2016-10-02
• Subjects: Thermal tyre model -- tyre wear -- numerical optimal control -- pseudospectral methods -- laptime simulation -- Formula One car modelling; Motor vehicles -- Dynamics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 629.231
• DOI: 10.1080/00423114.2016.1213861
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-3114

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Variations in track temperature, surface conditions and layout have led tyre manufacturers to produce a range of rubber compounds for race events. Each compound has unique friction and durability characteristics. Efficient tyre management over a full race distance is a crucial component of a competitive race strategy. A minimum lap time optimal control calculation and a thermodynamic tyre wear model are used to establish optimal tyre warming and tyre usage strategies. Lap time sensitivities demonstrate that relatively small changes in control strategy can lead to significant reductions in the associated wear metrics. The illustrated methodology shows how vehicle setup parameters can be optimised for minimum tyre usage.