australian competition rules &...

Australian Competition Rules & Regulations – Season 2014/2015©

Version 1.0 – January 2014 2 | P a g e

CONTENTS

PREAMBLE ............................................................................................................................................... 3

SUMMARY OF CHANGES ......................................................................................................................... 4

1. GENERAL REGULATIONS ................................................................................................................. 5

2. COMPETITION PROCEDURAL REGULATIONS .................................................................................. 6

3. OVERALL F1 CAR RULES ................................................................................................................... 8

4. BODY AND SIDE POD RULES ............................................................................................................ 9

5. NOSE CONE RULES ........................................................................................................................ 10

6. AEROFOIL RULES ........................................................................................................................... 10

7. WHEEL RULES ................................................................................................................................ 14

8. WHEEL SUPPORT SYSTEM RULES .................................................................................................. 15

9. TETHER LINE GUIDE RULES ............................................................................................................ 15

10. POWER PLANT PROVISION RULES ................................................................................................. 16

11. RACE REGULATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 16

12. CAR REPAIR REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................... 17

13. MARKING CRITERIA & SCORECARDS ............................................................................................. 19

14. RACING .......................................................................................................................................... 19

1. GRAND PRIX RACE ......................................................................................................................... 19

2. KNOCK OUT REACTION LAUNCH RACING ........................................................................................... 20

15. ENQUIRIES ..................................................................................................................................... 21

16. APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................. 22

1. DEVELOPMENT CLASS PIT DISPLAYS .................................................................................................. 22

2. STANDARD BALSA BLOCK SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................... 23

3. EXAMPLE ORTHOGONAL DRAWING .................................................................................................. 24

4. LAUNCH POD AND FINISH GATE DIMENSIONS ..................................................................................... 25

F1 in Schools™. All rights reserved. Re-Engineering Australia Foundation Ltd. reserves the right to alter any specifications and documentation of the Challenge Pack without prior notice. Permission is granted to establishments competing in the Challenge to photocopy and distribute any part of these documents internally. “Formula One”, “Formula 1”, “F1” and “FIA Formula One World Championship”, together with their non-English translations and permutations are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Formula One group of companies. All other brands, logos and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies



PREAMBLE

The standard sequence of Australian competitions runs across two calendar years. The State Finals held Sept/Oct/Nov in one year will feed to the National Final in February/March of the following year. This encompasses a complete season, for which the rules SHOULD remain constant. REA reserves the right to update / revise the rules if deemed appropriate.

It should be noted that there have been some significant rule changes/clarifications made between the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 season Australian rules. These changes are highlighted in blue coloured text within the body of the document as well as a summary provided on the following page. Please read them carefully in conjunction with the 2014/2015 General Information Booklet.

Note: For teams aspiring to represent at the World Championship, the world rules are different to the Australian. Competition Classes Teams will be classified as Professional Senior, Professional Junior, Development Class or Cadet Class. This document covers all classes and some rules are not relevant to all.

Specific clauses addressing Professional Class Teams only are identified by [PC Only].

Specific clauses addressing Development Class Teams only are identified by [DC Only].

Specific clauses addressing Cadet Class Teams only are identified by [CC Only]. Language Used The language of the rules is tiered. Those clauses expressed as “MUST” are mandatory and failure to comply will attract objective penalties - points and/or racing and/or in the extreme, disqualification. Those expressed as “SHOULD” or “MAY” reflect some level of discretion and choice.

Some clauses will be satisfied through team registration processes or declarations signed as complied with as part of the Challenge Agreement whilst others will be tested through a variety of objective and subjective judging. Specific clauses;

invoking scrutineering point penalties, are identified by [Point Penalty].

invoking racing penalties, are identified by [Time Penalty] or [Ballast Penalty].

o Time Penalty = 1/10 second applied to every run/lap for every rule or regulation violated up to a maximum of .5 second.

o Ballast Penalty = 2 grams applied for every gram underweight or part there-of (rounded up) and applied to each car submitted. E.g. 2.1gms underweight equals 3gms x 2, totalling 6gms of ballast.

State & National Final Judging State and National final judging will include all categories detailed in the marking criteria which can be downloaded from the REA website at: http://rea.org.au/programs/f1-in-schools/for-teams/competition-documents/. Note: Some school and regional events MAY not judge all criteria so check with the relevant coordinator. School and Regional events are NOT managed by REA.

Note: The Cadet Class will not proceed beyond the state final level of competition in the 2014/2015 season. However State Champions in this class will be invited to display their projects at the 2015 National Final.

Overall winners of State and National Finals will be determined by combining point scores from all categories. Other prizes will be determined on separate or a combination of category totals.

IN ALL COMPETITIONS, THE CHAIR OF JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL. All supplementary information is available via the REA web site, www.rea.org.au.

Any questions concerning rules MUST be emailed to [email protected].

http://www.rea.org.au/

mailto:[email protected]



SUMMARY OF CHANGES

BETWEEN 2013/2014 SEASON AND 2014/2015 SEASON SECTION 1: GENERAL REGULATIONS Introduction: NEW - Warning re designing to minimum tolerances ............................................................... 5 Rule 1c: NEW rule introducing Collaboration Teams ..................................................................................... 5 Rule 1q: Updated to reflect the application of REA corporate logo stickers .................................................. 6 Rule 1r: NEW rule governing the position of the REA & F1 in Schools logo stickers ..................................... 6

SECTION 2: COMPETITION PROCEDURAL REGULATIONS Rule 2b: Updated to included possible 2 membership changes ...................................................................... 6 Rule 2e: Updated to reflect new requirements for National Final .................................................................. 7 Rule 2g: NEW rule concerning procedure for scrutineering ........................................................................... 7

SECTION 3: OVERALL CAR RULES Rule 3e: Removal of maximum dimensions .................................................................................................... 8 Rule 3f: Updated to reflect changes to minimum weight of complete car product ...................................... 8 Rule 3g: Updated to reflect changes to Track Clearance measurement & dimensions. ................................ 8 Rule 3h: Updated to include additional wording ‘an REA supplied’ & application to all classes .................... 8 Rule 3i: Updated wording .............................................................................................................................. 8 Note: Removal of previous Rule 3g governing overall height of completed car product.

SECTION 4: BODY AND SIDE POD RULES Rule 4a: Removal of maximum dimensions.................................................................................................... 9 Rule 4c: Formerly Rule 3c which now incorporates changes to dimensions ................................................. 9 NEW diagram to reflect Rule 4c........................................................................................................ 9 Rule 4d: NEW rule requiring virtual cargo location in engineering drawings ................................................. 9 Rule 4e: NEW rule requiring an Exclusion Zone behind the front wheels ...................................................... 9 NEW diagram to reflect Rule 4e ..................................................................................................... 10

SECTION 6: AEROFOIL RULES Rules 6l: Removal of maximum dimensions ................................................................................................. 12 Rule 6m: Removal of maximum dimensions ................................................................................................. 12 Rule 6o: Removal of maximum dimensions ................................................................................................. 12 Rule 6p: Removal of maximum dimensions ................................................................................................. 12

SECTION 7: WHEELS Rule 7d: NEW rule governing wheels rotating freely.................................................................................... 13 Rule 7g: Removal of maximum dimensions.................................................................................................. 13 Rule 7h: Removal of maximum dimensions.................................................................................................. 13 Rule 7i: Removal of maximum dimensions.................................................................................................. 13 Rule 7j: Removal of maximum dimensions.................................................................................................. 13 Rule 7l: NEW rule requiring visibility of front wheels .................................................................................. 13 NEW diagram to reflect Rule 7l ...................................................................................................... 13

SECTION 9: TETHER LINE GUIDE RULES Rule 9c: Removal of maximum dimensions ................................................................................................. 14 Rule 9e: The word MAY replaced with the word WILL ................................................................................ 14 Note: Removal of previous Rule 9d governing track clearance of tether line guides. See new Rule 3g.

SECTION 10: POWER PLANT PROVISION RULES Rule 10c: Updated to remove requirement for square base & provide scrutineering method ................... 15 Rule 10d: Removal of maximum dimensions ................................................................................................ 15 Rule 10f: Updated to include wording about this being a measure of manufacturing quality .................... 15

SECTION 10: POWER PLANT PROVISION RULES 1st Paragraph: The word MAY replaced with the word WILL ........................................................................ 17

APPENDICES Appendix 1 Development Class Pit Displays: Updated diagram and text re volume under table ................. 20 Appendix 3 Example Orthogonal Drawing: Rule labels updated where relevant .......................................... 22



1. GENERAL REGULATIONS

Within the rules and in relation to the F1 car product, all dimensions are stated in millimetres (mm) and all weight values are stated in grams (g).

General Tolerances MUST be +/- 0.5 millimetres and - 0.5 grams unless otherwise stated. WARNING: Whilst your CAD design may comply with dimensional regulations, the process of machining, painting and assembly WILL individually impact on the final dimensions of the finished product submitted for scrutineering. It is the actual product that is measured in scrutineering. It is not the design intent that is judged in scrutineering.

Where components perform more than one function, all rules pertaining to those functions must be fully satisfied.

a. Each Professional and Development Class team MUST consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 members. Mixed gender teams are encouraged.

Team Registration [PC & DC Only]

[Disqualification]

b. Each Cadet Class team MUST consist of a minimum of 1 and maximum of 3 members. Mixed gender teams are encouraged.

Team Registration [CC Only]

[Disqualification]

c. Collaboration teams MUST consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 members. These teams will ONLY be formed from State Final teams at the invitation of REA for National Final events and will NOT include Cadet Class teams. A maximum of 2 schools can participate with balanced representation from each school.

Team Registration [PC & DC Only]

[Disqualification]

d. A team MUST be classified as a Professional Class Team (Senior or Junior) if it has any member who has participated in F1inSchools previously (in the Development or Professional Classes).

Team Registration [Disqualification]

e. A team MUST be classified as a Senior Professional Class Team if it contains a member who is in Year 10 or above.


f. REA reserves the right to vary the class qualification criteria where special circumstances exist.

Team Registration Advice

g. Individual students can only compete in one competition class per event. Team Registration [Disqualification]

h. Entered cars MUST be designed and produced during the current Challenge season and the same car design MUST NOT be entered in more than one Challenge season. (Teams developing cars for a World Championship event MUST NOT enter these cars in Australian competitions.)

Declaration [Disqualification]

i. All cars MUST be designed and manufactured using CAD/CAM software. Declaration [Disqualification]

j. All cars MUST be manufactured using a CNC machine, such as a DENFORD CNC Router.


k. Development Class Teams have two options as follows when manufacturing their cars on a CNC machine using only a 6mm diameter cutter. 1. Side Machining: 1 x mirrored NC code, executed twice, OR 2. Top/Bottom Machining: 2 x NC codes executed once each.

Declaration [DC Only]

[Disqualification]

l. Cadet Class Teams MUST manufacture their cars on a CNC machine using only a side machining process with 1 x mirrored NC code and a 6mm diameter cutter.

Declaration [CC Only]

[Disqualification]

m. Development Class and Cadet Class Teams MAY machine axle and/or axle grommet holes by an additional hand or CNC process.

Advice [CC & DC Only]

n. All team cars are to be assembled, painted and finished by team members only. Documented supporting evidence must be submitted with signed declaration.


o. All cars are expected to be finished to a high standard and MUST reflect the features of the documented CAD design. Features of the machined car other than machining scallops SHOULD NOT be removed. Cadet Class teams MAY choose to use a clear type finish.

Advice



p. The team entry number sticker must be visible from the top view of the car. This number will be allocated by REA and stickers sent out to teams participating in State and National Finals only. The team entry number sticker MUST be in place before each racing event. The size of the sticker will be a maximum of 25mm (length) by 15mm (height).

Judging [1 Point Penalty]

q. REA provided corporate logos MUST be displayed on all cars at State and National Finals. A sticker sheet with appropriate instructions will be supplied to all State and National Final teams. Alternatively teams MAY download electronic versions of the sticker via www.rea.org.au. Teams MUST follow supplied instructions in using the electronic format. Stickers with a clear background MUST only be applied to cars with a white finish. Stickers with a white background MUST be used for all cars with a non-white finish.


r. The REA and F1 in Schools logo stickers must have minimum dimensions of 25mm long and 15mm high. Stickers MUST be positioned on opposing side-pods, that is, REA on one side and F1 in Schools on the other and viewable only from the side view.


s. If your region is supported by a sponsor, corresponding sponsor recognition SHOULD be included in displays and folio and on the car.

Advice

t. When registering at State & National Finals, each Professional & Development Class team MUST provide REA with a: 1. complete primary race car and back-up race car 2. CD, DVD or USB drive containing all CAD data, parts, renders and hi-res portfolio 3. 2 x printed hi-res A3 size portfolio 4. separate engineering compliance drawing/s 5. separate rendered image of the car NOTE: REA reserves the right to keep either the race or back up car, a copy of all requested electronic data and a portfolio. If taken these WILL NOT be returned to teams.

Condition of Participation

[PC & DC Only]

u. When registering at State Finals, each Cadet Class team MUST provide REA with: 1. One complete primary race car 2. CD, DVD or USB drive containing all CAD data, parts, renders and hi-res poster 3. 1 x A2 poster or 2 x A3 poster/s outlining the F1 Design process. 4. Separate engineering compliance drawing

Condition of Participation

[CC Only]

v. All team members MUST be enrolled as full-time primary/secondary students (at the time of the event) to be eligible to participate in National and World Final competitions. Note: There is no direct pathway for a Cadet Class team to compete at a World Final.

Eligibility [Disqualification]

w. Students are ineligible to represent Australia a second time if they were members of a non-collaboration team at a previous World Final.

Eligibility

2. COMPETITION PROCEDURAL REGULATIONS

a. Each student team MUST be registered for their first competition event by the prescribed date advertised on the F1inSchools web site. The REA registration process shall be followed and the entry fee received by REA before the competition date. Entry fees are non-refundable once processed.


b. Each team MAY only make one change (i.e. add, subtract or substitute) to its membership when progressing to the next level of competition. REA will consider up to two team membership changes between a State and National Final when extenuating circumstances exist and upon written request to the Rules Committee.


c. When progressing from State to National Finals, teams MUST remain in the class in which they qualified. This includes the effects of changes to team membership.





d. Each team MUST complete and submit ALL the relevant competition documentation as requested by REA prior to “competition day”. Teams will be advised of specific requirements at least one month prior to State and National Finals.

Documentation [Disqualification]

e. Each Professional & Development Class team MUST provide two identical cars to enter the State and National Competitions. At State Finals, once the two cars have been scrutinised, the primary race car will remain with the Race Marshalls until all racing has finished. If the back-up race car is required by the team as a display car and is then needed for racing, it will need to be rescrutinised. At National Finals both the primary and back-up race cars will remain with Race Marshalls until the conclusion of the event. Teams MUST produce additional cars for display & judging purposes.

Event check-in Judging

[PC & DC Only]

f. Each Cadet Class team MUST provide one car to enter the State Final competition. Once this has been scrutinised, it will remain with judges until all racing has finished.


[CC Only]

g. Scrutineering will be conducted for Rules 3g & 7d with a charged CO2 cylinder inserted into the chamber. The mass of the cylinder will be 29 grams with a tolerance of +/- 0.5 gram.

Advice

h. Professional & Development Class teams MUST submit A3 Folios of work covering aspects of the project as detailed in the marking criteria. - Development Class – 12 printed pages maximum (including cover pages) - Professional Class – 20 printed pages maximum (including cover pages)


[PC & DC Only]

i. At State and National Finals, each Professional and Development Class team MUST produce two printed A3 portfolios. One is to be submitted at registration check-in and will remain with Portfolio/Pit Display judges until the conclusion of judging. Teams will retain their 2nd copy which can be used for all other judging.

Judging [PC & DC Only]

[10 Point Penalty]

j. Cadet Class teams MUST submit an A2 poster or 2 x A3 posters outlining the F1 Design Process as per the corresponding criteria outlined in the Portfolio & Pit Display score card.


[CC Only]

k. A dimensioned orthographic drawing of the car in scale no less than 1:2, (including plan, side and end elevation) MUST be included in the portfolio of Professional and Development Class teams.


l. A computer generated 3D realistic rendering of the car MUST be included in the portfolio of Professional and Development Class teams.


m. Professional & Development Class Teams SHOULD display a portfolio along with other materials in the “Team Pit” / booth area. Display booths, including a table are provided for the “Team Pits” at State and National Finals. As a guide, external pit dimensions are generally 2m W x 1m D x 2.2 – 2.4m H. However, REA will provide teams with specific pit dimensions no later than 2mths prior to final. Use of provided table is optional.


n. Professional & Development Class Teams will be given a maximum 2hrs for Pit Display set-up whereupon displays will be initially judged. Non-team members cannot participate in the set-up and displays MUST be designed so that adult assistance is not required.


[10 Point Penalty]

o. Professional & Development Class Teams MUST confine their display within the internal volume of the provided booth and no further modification of the display is permitted. Failure to observe this rule at any time throughout the competition will result in the published penalty for each separate infringement.


[10 Point Penalty]

p. Development Class Team Pit Areas MUST comply with class restrictions as defined in this rule booklet.

Judging [DC Only]

[10 Point Penalty]

q. Professional & Development Class Teams participating in State and National finals MUST make a verbal presentation to a panel of Judges, according to the relevant




marking criteria. The presentation shall not last longer than 8 minutes. Extra time is provided for setup and answering Judges’ questions.

r. Any grievance issues MUST be lodged in writing with the Chair of Judges by the date and time stated in the event supplementary regulations. The Chair of Judges decision related to any grievance is final.

Grievance Process

3. OVERALL F1 CAR RULES

a. The design of the completed car MUST resemble an actual F1 Car through the car being “open wheeled” such that wheel profiles are 100% visible and unobstructed from the side and above when the car is fully assembled.

[2 Point Penalty] [Time Penalty]

b. The F1 car product MUST only consist of a body and two side pods, nose cone, front aerofoil (with optional support structure), rear aerofoil (with optional support structure), four wheels, wheel support system, two tether line guides, finish coating and any associated decals, as defined in this document.

[2 Point Penalty]

c. The centre of gravity must remain between the axles with the canister inserted. [2 Point Penalty] [Time Penalty]

d. The overall length of the complete car measured between the front and rear extremes of the car product, including all components with the exception of the CO2 cartridge, MUST be a minimum of 170mm and a maximum of 210mm.


e. The overall width of the complete car product including all components MUST be a minimum of 60mm.


f. The minimum weight of the complete car product, without the CO2 cartridge fitted MUST be: Cadet Class: 55 grams Development Class: 52 grams Professional Class: 52 grams

[1 Point Penalty] [Ballast Penalty]

g. The track clearance measured normal from the track surface to the lowest point of the car product (excluding the wheel volumes) MUST be a minimum of 2mm including the tether line guides and with the CO2 cartridge inserted.


h. All balsa components for a completed car MUST be made from an REA supplied single standard balsa wood blank as defined in these rules. Balsa is the default material for all non-rotating components of the car including the body and side pods. Other materials can only be used as explicitly specified.


i. For Cadet Class Teams, no balsa parts are to be separately formed and glued to the main body.

[CC Only] [Disqualification]

j. Cadet Class Teams MUST use balsa as the default material for all non-rotating components of the car including the body and side pods. No other materials are permitted.

[CC Only] [Disqualification]

k. Balsa components MUST be a minimum of 3.5mm thick. [1 Point Penalty]



l. All convex edges (when the adjoining surface included angle is less than 90°), MUST have a minimum radius of at least 1.5mm (zero tolerance).

[1 Point Penalty]

Radius of 1.5mm required when angle < 90◦

Radius optional when angle ≥ 90◦

m. Implants, foreign objects or voids in or on the car body and side pods MUST NOT be incorporated.


4. BODY AND SIDE POD RULES

The body is defined as the primary connective structure of the car. It can be thought of as the monocoque car chassis with which all other legal components are integrated.

The side pods are defined as a feature on the car between the front and rear wheels satisfying the side pod dimensional rules.

a. The overall width of the side pods measured transversely between the side-pod extremities MUST be a minimum of 50mm. Any part having a width less than 50mm is not considered a side pod.


b. Each side pod MUST present a complete rectangular projected surface when viewed from the side measuring not less than 30mm wide x 15mm high.

[1 Point Penalty]

c. A virtual cargo MUST be completely encompassed by the body and be wholly positioned between the front and rear wheel centre lines. The virtual cargo MUST have minimum dimensions as shown below, with its top surface located symmetrical with the centre line of the car body. The virtual cargo MAY be intersected by the FRONT wheel support system and MAY also share common faces with the car body.


d. The virtual cargo location and compliance MUST be clearly identified within the

engineering drawings submitted for scrutineering. [2 Point Penalty]



e. When viewed from the top, car body MUST NOT exist within a volume 15mm immediately rear of either front wheel. The volume width is equal to the wheel width, and height from track surface is equal to the wheel diameter. This is measured in the top view, parallel to the centre line of the car body and track surface.


5. NOSE CONE RULES

The nose cone is defined as any part of the car forward of the centre line of the front axle that isn’t defined as being an aerofoil, tether line guide or tether line support.

a. Professional Class and Development Class Teams MAY manufacture the nose cone or parts thereof from separate, non-metallic materials.

Advice Disqualification [PC & DC Only]

b. Alternative non-metallic materials forming the nose cone MUST NOT be present behind the centreline of the front axle.

[1 Point Penalty]

6. AEROFOIL RULES

An aerofoil is an aerodynamic device defined geometrically by its span, chord and thickness. For a horizontally oriented aerofoil, the top and bottom surfaces of dimension span x chord could be pressure or suction surfaces depending on the angle of attack and/or the cross sectional shape.

a. The whole of the front aerofoil when viewed from the side MUST be in front of the centre line of the front axle.

[1 Point Penalty]

b. The front aerofoil MUST be connected only to the nosecone. [1 Point Penalty]

c. The whole of the rear aerofoil when viewed from the side MUST be behind the centre line of the rear axle.

[1 Point Penalty]

d. The whole of the rear aerofoil when viewed from the side MUST be higher than the highest point of the rear wheel when measured normal to the track surface.

[1 Point Penalty]

e. The front aerofoil MUST have a clear airspace envelope fully surrounding it a minimum of 3.5mm thick measured normal to the pressure and suction surfaces for its full span, including the leading and trailing edges and the track.




f. The rear aerofoil MUST have a clear airspace envelope surrounding it a minimum of 3.5mm thick measured normal to the pressure and suction surfaces for its full span, including the leading and trailing edges.


g. Both aerofoils top surfaces MUST be 100% visible from the car top view. [1 Point Penalty]

h. Professional Class and Development Class Teams MAY manufacture the front aerofoil and any supporting structure connecting it to the nose cone from separate, non-metallic materials.

Advice Disqualification [PC & DC Only]

i. Professional Class Teams MAY manufacture the rear aerofoil and any supporting structure from separate, non-metallic materials.

Advice Disqualification

[PC Only]

j. If Professional Class Teams manufacture the rear aerofoil and any supporting structure from separate, non-metallic materials, these materials MUST be completely contained within the volume created by the vertical projection of the plan view of the rear aerofoil including the natural connection between aerofoil segments where the aerofoil is split by the body.

[2 Point Penalty] [PC Only]



k. Development Teams MUST manufacture the rear aerofoil and any supporting structure from balsa.


[DC Only]

In measuring span, the measurement is made parallel to the track surface, on the top or bottom surface of the aerofoil (in the ‘y’ direction), whichever produces the shortest dimension. Intersecting the aerofoil with other car parts including the body, nose cone or supporting structure reduces the effective span to the sum of the clear airspace envelope segments.

The aerofoil chord min/max dimensions MUST be satisfied across the full dimensions that define the aerofoil span. The chord is measured in the ‘x’ direction. Supporting structures are not included in the measurement.

The aerofoil thickness min/max dimensions MUST be satisfied across the full dimensions that define the aerofoil span and chord. The thickness is measured in the ‘z’ direction. Supporting structures are not included in the measurement.

Note: An undersized span will lead to an undersized chord and thickness. An undersized chord will lead to an undersized thickness.

l. The span of a front aerofoil:

made from balsa MUST be a minimum of 34mm, or

made from an alternative material MUST be a minimum of 40mm.


m. The chord of a front aerofoil MUST be a minimum of 15mm. [1 Point Penalty]

n. The thickness of a front aerofoil:

made from balsa, MUST be a minimum of 3.5mm and a maximum of 12mm; or

made from an alternative material, MUST be a minimum of 1.5mm and a maximum of 12mm.

[1 Point Penalty]

Complies with minimum legal thickness



Does not comply with minimum legal thickness

o. The span of a rear aerofoil:

made from balsa, MUST be a minimum of 34mm, or

made from an alternative material, MUST be a minimum of 40mm.


p. The chord of a rear aerofoil MUST be a minimum of 15mm. [1 Point Penalty]

q. The thickness of a rear aerofoil:

made from balsa, MUST be a minimum of 3.5mm and a maximum of 12mm, or

made from an alternative material, MUST be a minimum of 1.5mm and a maximum of 12mm.

[1 Point Penalty]



7. WHEEL RULES

a. All cars MUST have 4 cylindrical wheels, two at the front and two at the rear. [1 Point Penalty] [Time Penalty]

b. All 4 wheels MUST touch the racing surface at the same time across the full contact width of the wheel (zero tolerance). That is, there MUST be no “camber”. (Tested using a strip of 80gsm paper on a flat surface.)

[2 Point Penalty]

c. Wheel dimensions MUST be consistent in diameter and circumference across the contact width of the wheel (i.e., “tyre tread” is not allowed).

[2 Point Penalty]

d. The track contact surface of all four wheels MUST rotate freely about their own centre axis to facilitate motion of the car during racing. The scrutineering judge MUST be able to validate this with reasonably minimal effort.


e. Development and Cadet Class Teams MUST use any combination of four (4) unmodified REA standard wheels. No other parts can be added to the wheels.

[CC & DC Only] [2 Point Penalty] [Time Penalty]

f. Professional Class Teams MAY use any combination of four (4) unmodified REA standard wheels.

Advice [PC Only]

g. Professional Class Teams MAY manufacture their own wheels and the wheel materials are unrestricted. (NOTE: modified REA Standard Wheels are classified team manufactured.)

Advice [PC Only]

h. The front wheel diameter for “team manufactured wheels” as measured to the extreme outer edges of each wheel MUST be a minimum of 26mm.

[PC Only] [1 Point Penalty] [Time Penalty]

i. The rear wheel diameter for “team manufactured wheels” as measured to the extreme outer edges of each wheel MUST be a minimum of 26mm.


j. The front wheel track contact width for “team manufactured wheels” as measured between the extreme outer edges along the contiguous contact line of each wheel MUST be a minimum of 15mm.


k. The rear wheel track contact width for “team manufactured wheels” as measured between the extreme outer edges along the contiguous contact line of each wheel MUST be a minimum of 15mm.


l. Visibility of the front wheels in the car’s front view MUST only be obstructed to a height of 15mm from the track surface.




8. WHEEL SUPPORT SYSTEM RULES

The wheel support system is defined as the collection of components that connect the wheels to the car body. Legal components include items such as shafts, bushings, and bearings.

a. The wheel support system MUST be fully contained within the volume of the cylinder formed by the projection of the wheel circumference (from the side view).

[2 Point Penalty]

b. Development and Cadet Class Teams MUST use four (4) unmodified REA axle grommets.

[DC & CC Only] [2 Point Penalty]

c. Development Class Teams MUST use two (2) REA standard axles or axles from a different material with the same diameter.

[DC Only] [2 Point Penalty]

d. Cadet Class Teams MUST use two (2) standard brass axles supplied by REA. No other axle material can be used.

[CC Only] [2 Point Penalty

e. Development and Cadet Class Teams MUST NOT use any other parts or make any other modifications to the wheel support system.

[DC & CC Only] [2 Point Penalty]

f. Professional Class Teams MAY manufacture their own wheel support system and the wheel support system materials are unrestricted.

Advice [PC Only]

9. TETHER LINE GUIDE RULES

The tether line and guides represent a safety feature in running cars on the track.

If using REA standard tether line guides, they are designed to work within the 6mm x 6mm tether line slot feature on the standard balsa blank. Therefore it is recommended that this slot remain intact in way of the guide.

a. Each car MUST have 2 (essentially circular) tether line guides firmly secured toward the front and rear of the car, located on the underside along the car body centre line. The track tether line passes through these two tether line guides. An adhesive MAY be used to help secure the tether line guides.

[1 Point Penalty]

b. The longitudinal separation of the tether line guides as measured between the outside edges of the guides MUST be a minimum of 120mm and a maximum of 190mm.

[1 Point Penalty]

c. The inside diameter of the tether line guide (referring to the size of the hole) MUST be a minimum of 3.5mm.

[1 Point Penalty]

d. The tether line guides MUST be closed to prevent the tether line from coming out of the tether line guide. This is considered a safety issue. Cars WILL be prohibited from racing if unresolved.

[1 Point Penalty] Prohibited from

Racing

e. Adequate strength and fixing of the tether line guides MUST be considered a safety issue and cars with unsafe arrangements will be prohibited from racing if unresolved.


Racing

f. Tether guide arrangements with sharp edges WILL be prevented from racing. Prohibited from Racing

g. Tether line guides and their supports MUST NOT perform any other structural function.

Prohibited from Racing

h. Cadet Class Teams MUST use the REA supplied Tether Line Guides. [1 Point Penalty] CC Only

i. Cadet Class Teams MUST place Tether Line Guides within the 6mm x 6mm tether slot feature on the standard balsa blank.

[1 Point Penalty] CC Only



10. POWER PLANT PROVISION RULES

REA will provide CO2 cartridges for the State and National Finals. All cartridges will be weighed and sorted before racing starts to be within a 0.25 gram (National) and 0.5 gram (State) weight range for each class of competition.

NOTE: Extreme violations of Section 10 rules (rules 10a – 10g) could lead to cars being prohibited from racing

due to safety concerns or starting pod incompatibility resulting in zero pints for racing.

a. The cartridges provide the car propulsion and all cars MUST interface directly with the standard track starting pod mechanism without the use of additional launch equipment.

Prohibited from Racing

b. The CO2 cartridge chamber diameter MUST be 19mm. [1 Point Penalty]

c. The depth of the CO2 cartridge chamber, measured as continuous material, MUST be a minimum of 50mm and a maximum of 60mm and will be measured by inserting a CO2 canister with minimum and maximum measure markings. The chamber can be considered a cavity and MAY be formed by balsa and legal rear aerofoil support structure.

[1 Point Penalty]

d. The vertical height of the lowest point of the CO2 cartridge chamber above the race surface MUST be a minimum of 22.5mm.

[1 Point Penalty]

e. The wall thickness around the CO2 cartridge chamber MUST be a minimum of 3.5mm. Provision of this thickness and the car’s structural integrity is a safety issue. Inadequate thickness or strength MUST prevent cars from racing on the track. The decision to prohibit a car from racing will be at the discretion of the Chief Scrutineer.


Racing

f. Paint and other foreign materials MUST NOT be present inside the CO2 cartridge chamber. This is considered a measure of manufacturing quality control.

[1 Point Penalty]

g. The cartridge MUST be able to be inserted and withdrawn without removal and replacement of car parts.


11. RACE REGULATIONS

The official length of the race track, from start to finish, is 20 metres.

The design of the car SHOULD be undertaken with an understanding of the car’s journey on the track. The most damaging loads are imparted to the car during the retardation phase after the car crosses the finish line. Cars are typically retarded by running into a buffer comprised of towels. This can be as much as a -20g collision. To avoid engineering deficiency penalties, cars are to be robust enough to withstand this loading as part of the defined use and operational cycle.

Standard track environments provide a buffer of towels but during racing, teams are permitted to provide their own retardation environment. Such an environment MUST be approved by a Race Marshal and shall not be attached to the track and it shall be restricted to be fully within their lane. Retardation systems must be in place when the track marshal is ready to launch the cars. No further time delays will be allowed.

A Race Marshal will stage the car on the track but teams are permitted to make any adjustments approved by the Race Marshal after the car has been staged, including the use of ‘positioning blocks’ to align the car in the centre of the lane, however these MUST be removed prior to launch. Teams MUST NOT use devices which interface with the starting mechanism and teams are not permitted to attach signage or other materials to the track or timing system.

All cars will be checked for safety, in particular that the tether line guides are secure. If the Judges have any safety concerns, teams can opt to submit their spare car, no less than 15mins before the racing program begins. This substitution will incur a penalty as outlined in Section 12 Car Repair Regulations.

Unresolved safety concerns WILL prohibit cars from racing on the track and WILL result in zero points being awarded for ineligible racing events.

CO2 canisters MUST be inserted so that they are situated firmly against the base of the cartridge chamber. Refer to Rule 10c.



At REA managed state and national final events two modes of racing WILL be conducted:

Automatic Launch Racing, and

Reaction Launch Racing (Manual/Driver Launch Mode).

At REA managed state and national final events the following race MAY also be conducted:

Knock-out Reaction Launch Racing (Manual/Driver Launch Mode)

Automatic Launch Racing will be conducted over the course of the competition as per the judging schedule. Team members need to be at the race track during their scheduled race times. Each car will be raced at least twice in each lane of the race track.

Reaction Launch Racing will be conducted during the competition as per the judging schedule. All team members need to be at the race track during their schedule time. “Drivers” will not be allowed to practice during the official race time. Each car will be raced twice in each lane. At the conclusion of Reaction Time Racing, all teams will be ranked using their fastest total time (gross time), to determine each team’s Knock-Out Racing seeded position or to directly allocate in a virtual way the Knock-out Racing points.

Knock-out Competition Racing MAY be conducted during the Competition as per the judging schedule. Rankings from the Best Gross Lap results of Reaction Launch Racing will determine where teams start in the seeded knock-out rounds. All team members need to be at the race track during their scheduled race times. Each car will be raced (manual/driver launch mode) ONCE in each lane. The single fastest total time (gross time) posted from these 2 races (reaction time PLUS actual car start line to finish line time) will determine the winner for that knock-out heat and that team will advance to the next knock-out round.

12. CAR REPAIR REGULATIONS

Car Servicing

At the National Final and most State events, Professional and Development Class teams will be allocated time to perform penalty free maintenance on cars in the official car service area. This will be allowed to occur only between automatic launch and reaction launch racing as per the judging schedule.

Cadet Class teams will NOT be permitted penalty free maintenance.

Car Repair/Substitution

If an entry becomes damaged during racing and the damage is determined by the officials to relate to engineering deficiencies, the car MAY be repaired or an identical back-up car used.

If a team’s back-up car is lighter than their primary race car, it will be ballasted to match race car weight.

Any repair or change of car (for any reason) during racing will result in the following point penalties:

Professional & Development Class Teams:

o Grand Prix Racing: 10 points for any substitution/first breakage, then 5 points for each subsequent breakage

o Knockout Racing: 4 points for any substitution/first breakage, then 2 points for each subsequent breakage

Cadet Class Teams:

o Grand Prix Racing: 3 points for first breakage, then 2 points for each subsequent breakage

Penalties are applied against total points awarded for that race event category. Failure to provide a race car (primary or back up) restored to its original design configuration will result in a disqualification from any further racing.

If the officials determine the damage is not related to engineering deficiencies, repairs or replacement with an identical back-up car will be allowed without penalty.

Damage incurred during a race, before the car crosses the finish line, (e.g. wheel, wing, tether line guide or any other part of the car product separating) will result in a DNF race result.



All damage issues and related decisions are to be decided by the race track officials and scrutineers and referred to the Chair of Judges if necessary.



13. MARKING CRITERIA & SCORECARDS

The 2014/2015 State & National Final Marking Criteria and Score Cards can be downloaded via http://rea.org.au/programs/f1-in-schools/for-teams/competition-documents/.

14. RACING

General

Teams WILL run their car in both the automatic launch and reaction launch (manual launch) sessions of the competition. Both modes of launch deliver a net run time of the car over 20 metres. The “net lap times” recorded are a practical indicator of the car performance on the track.

Cars deemed unsafe or ineligible to race by Scrutineers will be classified as Did Not Start (DNS) in racing events.

Damage incurred during a run, before the car crosses the finish line, (e.g. wheel, wing, tether line guide or any other part of the car product separating) will result in a Did Not Finish (DNF) race result.

The fastest net run/lap time WILL determine the winner of the “Fastest Lap Award” and MAY qualify to set a new state or national record.

Introducing a “driver’s reaction” in reaction launch adds to the sport. Reaction launch run times are a summation of the launch reaction of the driver and the car run time on the track. The normal track timing system allows both components to be recorded.

In the event of a reaction launch False Start (FS), the car will subsequently be run using automatic launch to record a net “lap time” but a reaction launch run FS will also be recorded.

Under-weight cars will have ballast added for all runs.

Time penalties will apply as a result of specific rule violations (applied to every run/lap) for all forms of racing.

Point penalties will apply as a result of the need for car repair or substitution during racing and will accrue if multiple repairs/substitutions are required. Professional & Development Classes

Typically four (4) runs are conducted in each launch mode with two (2) runs in each lane.

Based on each team’s best reaction launch run, teams will be ranked for seeding in the knock-out reaction launch racing.

Teams not recording a Reaction Launch run time (i.e. four False Starts) will be excluded from Knock-out racing and associated marks. Cadet Class

For the Cadet Class, four only reaction launch runs will be conducted, two in each lane. Should Cadet Class students or teams not attend race events in person, the car will be run in automatic launch mode.

Knock-out Racing will not be conducted for Cadet Class teams.

1. GRAND PRIX RACE

Due to variability in track conditions, the Grand Prix Race marks and the “Fastest Car Award” will be awarded based on multiple runs, similar to a multiple lap race. The “Race Time” will be the sum of the recorded net lap times where the single fastest and slowest laps recorded are excluded. One lap DNF can be considered the “slowest lap” and excluded. A second lap DNF will lead to the car being deemed as failing to complete the race.

Teams will be awarded points that match the performance of their car when compared to the fastest car in the competition. The scaling system uses the following formula to calculate points:



Professional & Development Classes

Regional Final Race Points = 75 + (120 / (Fastest Car Race Time x 0.30)) x (Fastest Car Race Time x 1.30 – Team’s Race Time)

State Final Race Points = 75 + (120 / (Fastest Car Race Time x 0.20)) x (Fastest Car Race Time x 1.20 – Team’s Race Time)

National Final Race Points = 75 + (120 / (Fastest Car Race Time x 0.15)) x (Fastest Car Race Time x 1.15 – Team’s Race Time)

The minimum score awarded for a team completing the race is 75 marks and requires 7 legal runs.

The minimum score awarded for a team starting but failing to complete the race is 30 marks plus 2 marks for each lap completed up to a maximum of 6 laps.

Teams not starting the race (DNS) will receive 0 points.

Cadet Class

Regional Final Race Points = 20 + (45 / (Fastest Car Race Time x 0.30)) x (Fastest Car Race Time x 1.30 – Team’s Race Time)

State Final Race Points = 20 + (45 / (Fastest Car Race Time x 0.20)) x (Fastest Car Race Time x 1.20 – Team’s Race Time)

The minimum score awarded for a team completing the race is 20 marks and requires 3 legal runs.

The minimum score awarded for a team starting but failing to complete the race is 10 marks plus 2 marks for each lap completed up to a maximum of 2 laps.

Teams not starting the race (DNS) will receive 0 points.

2. KNOCK OUT REACTION LAUNCH RACING

Some events MAY include knock-out reaction launch racing for Professional and Development Class Teams. The knockout draw is seeded based on team rankings from the reaction launch racing section (qualifying). An example draw for a field of 16 teams is shown.

Sample Knockout Draw for a field of 16

Each head to head pairing of teams is considered a match and the number of matches required to determine the winner is one less than the number of teams.

With each car raced once in each lane against their opponent, the winner of a match is determined by the fastest reaction launch total time (gross time) from either run. If in both runs, both teams record DNFs, the better ranked team from qualifying will progress to the next round.

Round of 16 Quarter Final Semi Final Final Winner

Rank 1

16

8

12

4

13

9

5

6

10

14

3

7

11

15

2

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..



Final Position in Knock-out (or Reaction Launch Racing Ranking) Marks Awarded

Winner – Knock-out Champion (1st) 30 marks

Knocked out in Final (2nd) 27 marks

Knocked out in Semi-Final (3rd or 4th) 24 marks each

Knocked-out in Quarter Final (5th to 8th place) 18 marks each

Knocked out in a preliminary round (9th to last place) 12 marks each

Teams excluded from Knock-out racing 0 marks

The marks to be awarded from actual Knock-out racing outcomes or direct rankings from the reaction launch racing are shown in the following table.

Where knock-out races are not specifically conducted due to time constraints, then the knock-out marks will be awarded based directly upon the reaction launch run time rankings.

15. ENQUIRIES

All enquiries regarding the Australian F1 in Schools™ Technology Challenge should be directed to:

Re-Engineering Australia Foundation Ltd.

Mailing Address: PO Box 136 Castle Hill NSW 1765

In Australia call: 1300 204 478

International: +61 2 9634 2144

Facsimile: (61) 2 8079 0622

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rea.org.au

mailto:[email protected]




16. APPENDICES

1. DEVELOPMENT CLASS PIT DISPLAYS

Rule 2o

The intent of this rule is to reduce the cost and complexity for teams participating in the development class.

At State & National Finals, REA will supply (where possible) an expo type booth with nominal external dimensions of 2000mm (L) x 1000mm (W) x 2400mm (H). Note that dimensions do vary between booth suppliers and REA will advise teams of exact external and internal booth dimensions 3 months prior to the event.

Within these booths, Development Class team will be permitted to display only upon the backboard of the booth (Face C), the top (Face B) and front (Face A) of a trestle table provided by REA. Generally trestle table dimensions are 1800mm (L) x 750m (W) x 750mm (H), however these also differ from one supplier to another and teams will be advised of exact dimensions closer to the event. Teams are permitted to:

1. Extend the supplied trestle table top area (Face B) to a size equivalent to a maximum of 2000mm (L) x 900mm (W) as shown in the figure above using a false top. The thickness of this false top is not to exceed 20mm. Remember that internal width dimensions MAY be slighter smaller than 2000mm.

2. Substitute their own Face A & B structure to a maximum size of 2000mm (L) x 900mm (W) x 750mm (H) as shown in the figure above.

3. Use table cloths to cover tables and/or the false top. These are NOT supplied by REA.

Faces A & B MUST be essentially planes and teams can only display upon these planes and not within the volume behind and below these faces or the vertical areas at the end of the table (shown as open in the diagram). However teams can use this space for storage and are permitted to inset TV monitors/screens or similar into Face B so long as what is being displayed & judged sits on or above Face B.

Teams cannot use the sides of the booth (if booths are supplied at a competition with sides) and you cannot create your own side panels.

All display items MUST be contained with the maximum width allowed for Face B (900mm) and cannot protrude beyond this. Platform/large structures cannot be placed upon Face B or attached to Face C. The height of any item displayed upon Face B including the structure upon which it sits, cannot be greater than 50cm in total. This excludes TV monitors and Portfolios which MUST sit directly on Face B and not be mounted within tower-like structures.

This area must remain void of Pit Display items but MAY be used for storage purposes ONLY.



2. STANDARD BALSA BLOCK SPECIFICATIONS

The following is provided as a guide for the dimensions of the standard balsa wood blank.

Left: Three dimensional rendering of the balsa wood blank, used for construction of the F1 type racing cars

Below: Orthographic drawing of the balsa wood blank. All dimensions listed are in mm. Note – this is not reproduced to scale

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3. EXAMPLE ORTHOGONAL DRAWING



4. LAUNCH POD AND FINISH GATE DIMENSIONS

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