In motorsports, keeping drivers safe is key. But, finding a balance with excitement is tough. IndyCar has teamed up with Red Bull Advanced Technologies to tackle this. They’ve introduced the Aeroscreen. This new cockpit design aims to boost safety without killing the thrill of the race. But how exactly does it do that?
Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ Collaboration with INDYCAR
Red Bull Advanced Technologies and INDYCAR are working together. They’ve created the Aeroscreen for better driver safety. This isn’t the first time they’ve worked on safety together. In 2016, they made the first Aeroscreen and it worked well. Now, they’re making it even safer for drivers.
In 2020, the NTT IndyCar Series season will feature the Aeroscreen. It has a special screen to reduce glare and fog. Drivers can also stay cooler with it. The strong frame can handle a big impact, making drivers feel safer.
Prototype Development
Red Bull Advanced Technologies started the Aeroscreen project. They made a first version to show how it could protect drivers. Now, they’re working with INDYCAR to make it even better. The aim is to keep races fast but safer for everyone.
On-Track Testing
Drivers from the NTT IndyCar Series will test the Aeroscreen on real tracks. This is key to seeing how well it really works. The tests are important for making sure the Aeroscreen can handle different racing conditions. The information from these tests will help fine-tune the Aeroscreen for all INDYCAR teams.
These tests will let drivers see how the Aeroscreen keeps them safe. It’s also a chance to make any needed changes. INDYCAR’s unique style of racing requires special safety features, and the Aeroscreen is one of them.
The Evolution of Cockpit Safety in IndyCar Racing
The Aeroscreen marks a big step in making open-cockpit cars safer in IndyCar. Before it, INDYCAR had the Advanced Frontal Protection (AFP). The AFP helps keep debris out of the driver’s area. It was first used in the INDYCAR Grand Prix and will stay for the season.
Red Bull Advanced Technologies created the Aeroscreen. It offers more safety to drivers from flying debris. It has a strong polycarbonate screen, an anti-reflective layer, and an anti-fog system. Also, it has tear-offs for debris and a cooling system for the driver. The Aeroscreen’s frame is made of strong titanium, so it can bear a lot of weight.
Advanced Safety Features
The Aeroscreen is packed with special safety features. They are made for keeping the driver safe while racing. These features include:
- Polycarbonate Laminated Screen: It has a strong polycarbonate cover that protects the driver from debris impact.
- Anti-Reflective Coating: This coating fights glare and helps the driver see clearly, even in bright light.
- Anti-Fogging Device: An anti-fog system is in place to keep the screen clear and the visibility good.
- Tear-Offs: Transparent tear-offs can be removed easily to clear up the screen when it gets dirty or covered in debris.
- Cockpit Cooling Option: It includes a way to cool the cockpit, making sure drivers don’t overheat and can focus better.
These features really up the safety level for drivers with the Aeroscreen. INDYCAR and Red Bull Advanced Technologies both worked hard on this. They show their deep concern for keeping drivers safe during races.
| Advanced Safety Features | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Polycarbonate Laminated Screen |
| 2. | Anti-Reflective Coating |
| 3. | Anti-Fogging Device |
| 4. | Tear-Offs |
| 5. | Cockpit Cooling Option |
The Engineering Challenges of the Aeroscreen
Designing the Aeroscreen for IndyCar came with many hurdles. It needed to protect drivers from dangers at ovals, unlike the Halo in Formula One. The Aeroscreen extends higher than the helmet, keeping drivers safer in all types of crashes, like at the Pocono Raceway.
The windshield of the Aeroscreen is unique. It’s a 3/8-inch 2-layer polyester screen made for clear visibility at high speeds. The frame is from 3D-printed titanium, making it strong and durable. This framework is attached solidly, adding more safety.
Thinking about the airflow was also crucial. Engineers worked to improve stability and keep air around the driver’s helmet controlled. They made sure the cockpit stayed cool in hot races for the driver’s comfort and top performance.
The team had to make sure the Aeroscreen was extremely safe and kept the car’s design balanced. Their hard work paid off. The Aeroscreen is a top safety feature in IndyCar today.
| Engineering Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Protection in incidents involving chain link retaining fence on ovals | Aeroscreen structure stays higher than the driver’s helmet |
| Windshield technology for optimal optical quality | 3/8-inch 2-layer polyester screen with meticulous shaping and testing |
| Structural design for strength and durability | 3D-printed titanium framework attached to the roll hoop’s structure |
| Aerodynamic considerations for stability and airflow control | Optimized airflow over the car and cockpit airflow management |
Conclusion
The Aeroscreen in IndyCar is a big step forward in keeping drivers safe. Working with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, INDYCAR made a new way to boost safety for drivers. It helps lower the chance of getting hurt by things like debris.
The design includes a special shield that’s strong but also clear. It has a coating to stop glare, keeps from fogging up, and can even be cooled. The frame around it is made from titanium, which is strong and light, keeping racers safe without slowing them down.
Before going into use in the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series, drivers will test it out on the track. This careful testing will make sure the Aeroscreen works really well. It’s all about giving drivers the best combination of safety and performance when they race.
This new feature lets IndyCar drivers feel even more secure as they go fast on the track. It means they can focus on winning, knowing they’re as safe as possible.
