Last week, we released part one of our new series ’10 Books Every Aspiring Motorsport Engineer Should Read’. This week, we bring you FIVE MORE pivotal books that every aspiring Motorsport Engineer should read.
Missed the first part? Read it here!
#6 Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook 1, 2 and 3
Written By: John Wanberg
Main areas covered:
- Building composite structures
- Mold making
- Creating your own composite parts
- How-to projects
About the book
In book #1 of the Composite Garage series, Herb Adams discusses composite materials in a practical and hands-on format. Besides, Adams includes both explanations and demonstrations on how to apply the versatile material in various projects.
The publication spends little time on designing composite structures and instead focuses on the required techniques for building those structures. Adams describes the most common materials and how they are used, discusses safety and tools, and then goes into detail on how to make basic composite structures through wet layup techniques.
In book #2, the author writes about optimizing composite lamination for high-performance use. The book also discusses mould-making with a variety of materials and demonstrates advanced modelling techniques to show readers how to create their own composite parts.
Finally, book #3 includes ‘how-to projects’ covering various topics and concepts to help aspiring Engineers finish their composite projects. Furthermore, you can also find further information on the intricacies of mould-making techniques, the process of creating copies of existing parts, and making new mould systems with the help of computer modelling software.
#7 Suspension Geometry and Computation
Written By: John C. Dixon
Main areas covered:
- Suspension properties including bump steer, roll steer, and more.
- Suspension parameters in three dimensions
- Methods for calculating suspension
About the book
This publication provides an exemplary overview of the theory and analysis behind suspension geometry.
John C. Dixon goes into sufficient detail to inform readers of the advanced concepts of suspension design — a go-to subject for automotive and motorsport engineering students. ‘Suspension Geometry and Computation’ explores the functions of dynamics, handling, and suspension at an engineering level while remaining accessible to all readers.
Dixon uses non-technical language to give an understandable and informative review, aiding in a conceptual understanding of the terms involved. Besides, descriptions of suspension and steering geometry are also included alongside 3D geometry of various suspension designs, road profile, and more. Of course, there are also sections set aside for computational geometry techniques and considerations.
‘Suspension Geometry and Computation’ offers insights into the world of suspension that are not easily found elsewhere. If you’re looking for advanced information on suspension, look no further.
#8 Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Driving
Written By: Carl Lopez
Mains areas covered:
- Competition-proven methods to drive faster
- Advanced racing driving techniques
About the book
‘Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Driving’ is the ultimate how-to book for fast driving. Racers of every caliber can understand and employ the included concepts to their benefit.
This publication explains the complicated world of racing driving allowing readers to better understand the nuances of car control, driving techniques, vehicle setup, and general race craft.
Author, Carl Lopez, includes formulas to help you plot theoretical best times around a corner, and the book is laden with factual data on what makes a driver faster. Furthermore, the publication includes commentary from professional drivers with real-world experience and helpful tips for conquering the racetrack in any race car.
‘Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Driving‘ is the perfect book for car enthusiasts, spectators, and new drivers.
#9 Engineering Mechanics of Composite Materials
Written By: Isaac M. Daniel and Ori Ishai
Main areas covered:
- Behavior and properties of composite material
- Mathematical formulas and methods
About the book
‘Engineering Mechanics of Composite Materials’ provides an extensive overview of the high-strength and lightweight materials used in everyday objects from automobiles to biomedical products. The publication is one of the best books on the market for an introduction to composite analysis and includes both basic and higher-level concepts to expand your knowledge base.
With an intuitive look into the world of composite materials and analysis, authors, Isaac M. Daniel and Ori Ishai provide easy-to-follow explanations and methods of all included elements. Furthermore, the publication provides mathematical methods and derivation needed to understand the mechanics behind composites better.
‘Engineering Mechanics of Composite Materials’ is the perfect introductory and self-reference book for engineering students and anyone interested in composites concepts.
#10 How to Build a Car
Written By: Adrian Newey
Main areas covered:
- Technical challenges and solutions
- Racing politics
- Authentic technical drawings
About the book
Adrian Newey is one of the most successful race car designers in Formula One history and has experience wearing a variety of hats, including race engineer, aerodynamicist, and designer. Newey is the design-genius behind the championship-winning cars for Williams F1, McLaren and RedBull.
In his autobiography, Newey writes about his career in Formula One, focusing on the technical challenges he faced and the solutions he found season-by-season. Newey also includes commentary on the politics of racing and how that affected his decisions and career overall.
Newey packs his wealth of knowledge into an easy-to-read format with concise language that both engages and teaches his audience. You will also enjoy authentic technical drawings and images throughout the book that enhance the story.
Every potential racer and designer should read this book before starting down the Formula One career path.
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