Comparison between Formula 1 and CART Engine Performance Based on Acoustic Emission Analysis (2002-01-3321)

The paper presents the application of signal processing algorithms to racing engines acoustic emission signals. The proposed methodology has shown to be effective in extracting from such signals information related to the main powertrain performance parameters, such as engine speed, gear ratios and driver's strategy.The objective of the paper is to compare performance parameters of racing engines that have participated in two different Championships, FIA Formula One World Championship (Formula 1) and CART Champ Car Series (CART). The comparison is quite interesting, since the two formulas differ not only in terms of regulations (and therefore in terms of admissible powertrain layouts), but also in terms of circuits where the races take place. For example, ovals are quite common in CART, and that is not the case of Formula 1: This fact is reflected in the different way the engine and the gearbox are operated during the race.