Racing to Precision
Waygate Technologies Helps Scan TU Brno’s Formula Monocoque in High-Energy CT
In this article:
- Waygate Technologies Supports TU Brno Racing with High-Energy CT: In collaboration with CEITEC, Waygate Technologies scanned the carbon fiber monocoque of TU Brno’s Formula Student race car using the Phoenix V|tome|x L450 CT system to ensure structural integrity and performance
- Advanced CT Imaging Captures Critical Structural Details: The high-voltage CT scanner generated over 200 GB of ultra-high-resolution 3D data per session, enabling detailed analysis of stress-prone areas like suspension mounts and bonding interfaces
- Non-Destructive Testing Reveals Hidden Defects: The scans identified internal delamination, bonding failures, and microfractures in layered carbon-fiber composites—without damaging the monocoque—ensuring safety and reliability under racing conditions
- Flexible Scanning Modes Optimize Resolution and Penetration: The system’s five selectable power modes allowed researchers to balance deep material penetration with fine spatial resolution, ideal for inspecting complex composite structures
- Empowering Engineering Education and Motorsport Innovation: This partnership highlights Waygate Technologies’ commitment to advancing non-destructive testing in both industry and academia, fostering innovation in student-led motorsport engineering
Carbon, Kevlar, Speed — All Under the X-ray Lens
Formula student teams design and race high-performance vehicles, constantly innovating on materials and structural design. In this spirit of innovation, Waygate Technologies partnered with CEITEC to perform full-body CT scans of the TU Brno Racing team’s carbon fiber monocoque — a critical load-bearing structure of their student-built race car.
Using our Phoenix V|tome|x L450 system—a high-voltage CT scanner equipped with a 450kV mezzo-focusing tube—we enabled 6 to 8 hours of continuous scanning, generating over 200 GB of ultra-high-resolution 3D imaging data per test session.
Our system’s five selectable power modes
The monocoque, which spans approximately 2.5 meters, was scanned in multiple positions across vertical and horizontal axes. Our system’s five selectable power modes allowed researchers to balance high voltage penetration with fine spatial resolution, crucial for examining layered carbon-fiber composites, honeycombs, and foam adhesives.
The focus was on stress-critical areas near the suspension arms, where the vehicle endures mechanical fatigue over racing seasons. With our CT technology, researchers could inspect internal delamination, bonding failures, and microfractures—without compromising the integrity of the monocoque.
Credits
Original Author: Martin Kareš
Device Used: Phoenix V|tome|x L450
Test Site: Waygate Technologies Facility, Germany
Subject: TU Brno Racing Student Formula Monocoque
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