Development and Validation of a Magnetoelastic Torque Sensor for Motorsport Applications

Magnetoelastic torque sensors are used by a majority of the teams competing in motorsport racing series such as Formula 1, WEC P1 class, and Formula E, in which torque is commonly measured on half-shafts, engine output shafts, as well as high-speed motor generator shafts (MGU). This paper will describe the torque sensor architecture used when installed on the half-shafts for a GT motorsport application. This description will include a discussion of suitable transducer materials and stress criteria; provide an overview of the limitations of the technology such as errors associated with temperature, and hysteresis, and how these limitations are addressed. The evaluation methods and test metrics used to characterize in-vehicle performance while testing within a laboratory will be discussed. Selected results from track testing carried out by the Ferrari GT team will be presented along with specific applications of torque sensors within motorsport. The convergence in performance between laboratory torque cells and magnetoelastic torque sensors that can be used in-vehicle greatly increases the opportunity to use these sensors for both regulatory and performance applications.