Turning technology into gold
Along the corridor from the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team at the McLaren Technology Centre is McLaren Applied Technologies – a division set up to explore new and innovative applications for our technology, outside of the automotive and racing industries.
In 2008, we began working with the GB Women’s Bobsleigh Team to use our knowledge and technology to improve their performance. It’s surprising how much bobsleigh has in common with Formula 1: the high speeds, the importance of lightweight technology and driver safety in extreme conditions.
Imagination and technology
Team GB didn’t have the funds to build and test a new sleigh. Instead, we worked with them to identify the areas in which we felt the existing model could be improved. We started by fitting a telemetry system to provide a real-time data log as the vehicle hurtled down its run. A chassis dynamics rig was used to mimic the actual run to see where the bobsleigh vibrated and help locate where improvements could be made. Following the telemetry studies, the engineers went on to suggest a range of structural, material and set-up changes.
The front and rear suspension have resonant frequencies around 25Hz. These were reduced by approximately 15%, through improvements in the runner carriers and better-fitted rubber bump stops. This had a significant improvement on ride characteristics. The bobsleigh was also stripped of its many previous coats of paint, and then fully re-sprayed, saving more than 4kg.
We reinforced the bodywork and push handles, modified the runner carriers, and even improved the ergonomics of the interior.
From fifth to first with the help of McLaren
After making these changes, the GB Women’s Bobsleigh Team went from 5th in the world to taking gold at the 2009 World Championship in Lake Placid, USA. Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman, believes this shows the diversity of McLaren’s engineers: "The British team’s success showcases our strength and depth and the world-beating know-how of McLaren Applied Technologies."