TU Delft solar car team 3D prints thin spoiler for Australia race

Students from TU Delft have used a 3D printer to print a spoiler that will help them improve the streamlining capabilities of the solar car they will be entering at this year’s Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. Joris van den Berg, aerodynamics specialist from the Nuon Solar Team said that the biggest drawback of the extremely light and stiff carbon body was not being able to make it sharp enough for optimum aerodynamics, with drag being the most important area in the competition. "DSM printed us a completely transparent, hollow tail fin using their advanced 3D printer, weighing only 250 grams reported the university website." he said on the university's website During the vehicle inspection judges looked at the safety aspects of all the cars as the 3000 kilometer race across Australia is both demanding and dangerous. The Nuon Solar Team revealed two impressive innovations at the judging: the 3D printed “trailing edge” and an additional, non-mandatory, fire suppression system (Stat-X) for the battery, which received additional praise from the judges. The Nuon team went through the inspection virtually flawless, and after applying extra insolation to a wire, were given the green light. Moving vehicle inspection has been scheduled for October 17 to check the vehicles braking and handling as well as qualification and starting order determination. The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge begins on Sunday.