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step1– a project like no other
GFi ENGINEERING UND CONSULTING
While others work in strict secrecy on future topics in motor sport, GFi and its partners are building an open network full of opportunities and with one common goal: the step1 research project will create a prototype Group E2/C3 sports car that reflects the very latest state of technological knowhow. „step1“ is an acronym for „Sportsprototype Team Engineering Project 1“ and includes, alongside development and manufacture, the use and marketing of this „racer of the future“. Unusually, and completely contrary to normal practice in the automobile industry, this project will be interdisciplinary with a network that is open in all directions. The project includes well-known international companies with motor racing experience, which are financing the project from their own funds. Each of the partners is making specialists available for the project, and, as well as drawing on its internal resources, is also involving university students, interns and research institutes. In this project based on voluntary involvement, new technologies, materials and assembly techniques are being devised in order to develop a completely new vehicle, which satisfies current regulations - but, in addition, incorporates the future issue of e-mobility. step1 is, first of all, a playground for experts and lateral thinkers, who want to see the ideas and innovations they contribute realised and use them as references for their own goals. Beyond the current project, however, step1 is also a network of competent team members, who are potential B2B part-
First results analysis of the flow simulation (air flow around and through the vehicle)
ners. The special thing is that, apart from a few meetings per year, communication takes place virtually, for example using DeskShare and TeamViewer. Acting as an engineering partner in this inter-company project, GFi is expanding its competencies in lightweight construction technology and virtual product development through networking with research institutions. The structural design was developed at GFi and tuned to maximum stiffness with low weight. It was decided not to use a weight-intensive triangulation of the tubular lattice frame. Instead, rectangular structures were developed, which are stiffened with aluminium honeycomb shear fields. Significant challenges for all partners are the structural design of the vehicle's carbon fibre bodywork and the subsequent analysis and
optimisation of the aerodynamics through numerical flow simulation. This process is supported by a further network partner, a specialist in Formula 1 aerodynamics. Other experts in step1 are working on the design of the chassis, drive systems and the associated electrics/electronics and the on-board network. Since 1996, the name of GFi, an engineering and consultancy services company in the automobile industry, has stood for lightweight construction, first class quality, competence and innovative solutions. GFi offers services focused on consulting and development, prototypes, limited series and trade.
Author:
Frank Geiger
GFi Gesellschaft für technische Ingenieurleistungen Levelingstr. 40 85049 Ingolstadt/Germany Phone: +49 (0) 841/886 86-0 Fax: +49 (0) 841/886 86-98 E-mail: frank.geiger@gfi-group.net www.gfi-group.net