Schools > Technologies

Schools participating in the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge utilise state-of-the-art industry-standard technologies. A wide array of hardware and software, fully supported and designed for integration in the classroom, is available to high schools through REA.

Students being able to use the world's best engineering design and manufacturing technologies is an important and exciting aspect of the challenge. Students of all abilities achieve the most amazing outcomes using tools with few limitations, empowering innovation.

Software technology highlights

CATIA V5 is the CAD/CAM solution supported by REA for the Australian F1 in Schools Challenge - it is the CAD software used to design the miniature F1 cars for the challenge. This software includes full 3D design, simulation FEA and CAM capabilities. CATIA V5 is a leading 'best in the world' computer-aided-design suite and it is used on the design of the Boeing Dreamliner, Airbus Superjumbo A380, and the latest United States Navy submarine design. In a world-wide exclusive, Australian High Schools are provided with the full industry version of the CATIA V5 suite of software including numerous interactive tutorials for a fraction of the cost of its multi-million dollar industry value!

The DENFORD CNC/CAE/CAM software range includes software for the manufacture of digital designs, analysis and simulation. The software is developed for educational use, and its simple, quick to learn and easy to teach! The DENFORD software is used in conjunction with DENFORD CNC manufacturing solutions.

Software such as Virtual Wind Tunnel and QuickCAM 3D Milling provide students with modern real world engineering design, analysis and manufacturing experiences. Virtual Wind Tunnel allows students to test (prior to manufacture) the F1 Car designs aerodynamic properties in a virtual wind tunnel using modern CFD technology. QuickCAM Milling is a simple, wizard based, CAM alternative for converting the 3D digital design to CNC machining program code.

Hardware technology highlights

DENFORD CNC Routers are used to manufacture the miniature F1 car body design out of Balsa Wood. These computer-numerical-controlled machines are manufactured to the highest quality, and are designed specifically for use by schools. They are compact, clean and safe - perfect for classrooms and school workshops.

Analysis and evaluation technologies include desk-top sized smoke tunnels and wind tunnels for use in the F1 in Schools challenge, great to use for demonstrations and experiments in Physics and Industrial Design faculties. These technologies are paramount in the testing and design evolution of the miniature F1 cars - a key part of the road to success for the F1 in Schools challenge.

The F1 in Schools advanced race-track system is also available to schools, which can be used for many programs, not just the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge. The track is electronically controlled, timed to one-thousandth of a second by infrared finish-line control. The track features starting gates inspired by real F1 race-start grid-lighting. Students can test their reaction times, also measured to within one-thousandth of a second!