Structural optimisation of composite elements of a Formula One racing car

This paper describes the numerical optimisation procedure developed for the design of structural components of Formula One racing cars made of composite materials. The numerical procedure, developed using Matlab, is based on coupling a commercial finite element code for structural analysis (MSC/NASTRAN), with a genetic algorithm optimisation tool. It takes into account both continuous and discrete design variables, and the application of continuity technological constraints. Two different application examples related to a Formula One car are reported: the first one concerns a turning vane subject to static requirements, while the second one concerns a rear wing, subject to static, dynamic and buckling requirements.