In motorsport, confidence in key components is essential, particularly within the suspension system. As Oxford Brookes Racing prepares for upcoming Formula Student events at Silverstone in the UK and Hockenheim in Germany, the team has completed testing on its new carbon fibre A-Arms - key suspension components that connect the wheel assembly to the chassis and manage forces during acceleration, braking and cornering.
Formula Student gives university teams the opportunity to design, build and race single-seater cars, providing practical motorsport engineering experience and, for many students, a pathway into careers in Formula 1 and wider motorsport.
The team approached HBK for support in testing the new carbon fibre components, with a particular focus on confirming that the threaded aluminium insert remained bonded to the carbon fibre tube. This connection is critical to the durability of the suspension system, where strength and performance under repeated loading are essential.
While the parts have been developed for Formula Student, the design is similar to components found on professional single-seater race cars.
As part of the project, four members of the Oxford Brookes Racing team visited HBK’s Advanced Materials Characterisation & Testing (AMCT) Facility in Rotherham to see how the parts would be tested and to learn more about fatigue testing. During the visit, the team had the opportunity to see the testing process first-hand and capture photos, including one outside the front entrance.
HBK supported the project as part of its sponsorship of Oxford Brookes Racing, helping the team validate a key component ahead of competition.
The carbon fibre A-Arms successfully completed the test, giving the team confidence that the components will be durable enough for their races. Oxford Brookes Racing will compete at Formula Student UK at Silverstone from 15–19 July, followed by Formula Student Germany at Hockenheim from 11–16 August.
"Oxford Brookes Racing strives to not only be a tight-knit community within the team, but ensure the sponsor network is aligned with our visions and values. Every sponsor, whether they supply us component testing, machining for our suspension parts, or vinyl to keep us looking fresh and stylish, contributes to the way OBR performs and innovates. Nothing would be possible without your support. Because of this testing, we are proud to have fully carbon A-Arms on our car for the first time in our history"
The project highlights the value of practical testing in helping student engineering teams validate new designs before they reach the track. For Oxford Brookes Racing, the successful test marks an important milestone as the team introduces fully carbon A-Arms to its car for the first time.
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