Team Lunar
Lunar is a Melbourne-based team made up of 6 Brighton Grammar School students participating in the world’s largest STEM competition – F1 in Schools, a competition of constructing a miniature formula one car to go as fast as possible down a 20-meter track, pushing the boundaries of engineering and innovation inside a car only 20cm long!
With a track record of success dating back to 2022, Lunar has amassed over 30 category awards combined, establishing themselves as decorated, formidable competitors at both State and National competitions, now representing Australia at the World Finals later this year.
Exploring Ansys Simulation
Leo Jansen explains that “Leveraging the power of Ansys simulation software has been vital to the development of our prototypes, as validating and optimising designs is a constant process that we undertake. Over the past year, we have analysed over 100 designs and concepts for testing. This simulation gives us access to instant feedback and statistics that has allowed us to push the limits of what our team can accomplish from a balsa wood block!”
Utilising fluid dynamics, the airflow over 3D models can be observed and researched to optimize aerodynamic features. Lunar engineers will closely assess the flow field in and around vital components of the car to help understand the aerodynamics and refine the design to further reduce drag and improve stability. Lunar combines this capability with structural analysis (FEA) testing in Ansys to ensure the car’s components can withstand impacts from speeds of up to 20m/s!
Utilising Keyshot
Whilst it is one thing to design and manufacture the fastest car in the competition, making it stand out amongst the rest graphically is another aspect, and one that Lunar prides themselves in.
Access to cutting-edge 3D rendering technology through Keyshot allows the team to maximize the artistry and realism of their renders to accurately depict the final product, before it is built. Not many other software can achieve the extreme detail of textures and shadows that Keyshot offers. On top of this it’s easy-to-use, the learn interface allowing them to quickly put their creativity into action, turning ambition into reality!
Benefits of Keyshot
Depicting Lunar’s esteemed brand identity and showcasing their miniature Formula One car with Keyshot offers unparalleled versatility and realism, in most cases even more so than real photography! The ability to customise lighting and textures instantly to create various environments means that Lunar can create renders that mimic their actual models with precise realism.
Unlike other software’s, Keyshot allows you to seamlessly integrate designs into any context and quickly illustrate them in 3D, allowing for stunning depictions of your creativity in minutes. This is crucial in a competition where speed is everything, as teams are pushed to fight against the clock.
The future of Lunar: Taking on the world!
Lunar’s partnership with Leap Australia has propelled them on a journey of success, a partnership that now leads the team to the pinnacle of F1 in Schools at the 2024 World Finals, set to take place from November 21 – 26, ahead of the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2024.
Here, they are striving for nothing short of success in their car models and team branding, and as a collective find themselves in pursuit to be crowned World Champions at the Aramco F1 in Schools 2024 World Finals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia!
Read more about team Lunar and F1 in Schools at https://www.lunarbgs.com/ and https://www.f1inschools.com/.