The Centaurus Racing Team was founded in October 2009, at the University of Thessaly, by 12 undergraduate students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The students wanted to design and construct a single-seat formula car, and to participate in the Formula S.A.E competition. The team started from scratch, with only the basic knowledge from their university classes.
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Establishment
Initially, the team relied on a theoretical approach to the car parts and familiarity with the team’s basic design program, SolidWorks. However, the practical application of those theories proved more challenging, and during construction, multiple problems arose including finances, mechanical failures and red tape.
Achievements
2011 Varano de' Melegari The team’s first appearance in a competition was in the Formula A.T.V Italy in class 3 at Varano de’ Melegari in Italy, near the city of Parma. The team was ranked first out of four universities. The competitors were teams from Italy, France and India; these countries had participated in previous competitions.
2012 Silverstone
The Centaurus Team participated in its second competition at the Silverstone Circuit, UK. This was the team’s first appearance in a class 2 competition. In the final rankings, the team was placed ninth out of a total of 23 teams. More specifically, the team was classified third in design, fifth in business presentation and 12th in the cost and sustainability report.
Car
The first car manufactured by the Centaurus Racing Team is called Chiron. Some key features of the car are:
General
Maximum power: 87 hp @ 1200rpm Maximum torque: 62Nm @ 8000rpm Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 3,8sec Top speed: 130 km/h Weight (with 68 kg driver): 140 kg (front), 160 kg (rear)Engine
Type: Honda CBR 600 RR 2007 Number of cylinders: four Capacity: 599 cm ECU: MegasquirtChassis
Frame material/construction: St37 tubular space frame Bodywork (material): carbon fiber Crashbox (material): aluminum honeycombSuspension
Suspension type Front: double equal length A-arms with push rods Rear: double equal length A-arms with push rods Wheels Front: 6,5x13 Rear: 7 x13 Tires Front & Rear: 20x7-13 AVON Brakes (Rotors) Front: floating, cast iron, hub mounted Rear: cast iron, ventedDrivetrain
Drive type: #520 chain Differential type: Quaife ATB helical LSD differential Drive ratio: 3,75:1