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Optical distance sensors used in V8 race cars

Last year was a successful season for the Tuning Akademie racing team. In a 24h race at the Nürburgring, the racing team won the world championship in the category VIII class of alternative drive concepts. One reason for the team’s success may be the cars’ inclusion of laser-optical distance sensors.

With the Audi A4 V6 3.0 TDI Quattro, two Micro Epilson optoNCDT 1402-250 VT laser sensors were fixed in the x-axis above the front and rear axles under the bodywork, providing the required measurements during driving.

The optical laser sensors are designed for measuring displacement, distance and position and are equipped with an integrated digital signal conditioner. The downward-looking optical sensors measure the distance from the vehicle to the road. By continuously measuring the vehicle height in relation to the speed of the racing car, the racing team can accurately determine the aerodynamic balance and respective downforce at the front and rear axles.

Based on this data, pitching movements during acceleration and braking phases can be evaluated in detail in order to further improve the driving behaviour and aerodynamic efficiency.

 

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