Condition Based Maintenance of a Formula 1 Racing Car based on Direct Torque Measurement

A torque sensor has been developed that is able to measure under the severe conditions present in a race car. Based on a robust concept originally developed for automotive applications the sensor has been adapted to the specific requirements of a Formula 1 installation. It has been integrated in the vehicle directly in the power train on the gearbox input shaft. With access to the actual engine output a range of applications can be performed in terms of engine and drive train monitoring. Moreover, the sensor can be used to acquire data of the actual dynamic torque levels and torque spikes that the powertrain is subjected to. This can be used to calculate the level of fatigue of the powertrain components based on real time torque data.