When it comes to the racing industry, titanium has long been
used to complement the lightweight, durable design that auto racing vehicles
need. With uses in racing, aerospace and even in medicine, titanium is used in
just about every industry out there because of its versatility and its other material
properties.
Its main use in the racing industry is to make extremely
durable parts that can easily resist corrosion from exposure to the elements.
It is a strong metal, with a titanium bar being able to resist a lot more
pressure and heavy loads than most other metals while retaining lightness. This
makes it very useful in the roll cages of stock cars as well.
The reason that the metal is so in demand for the auto
racing industry is because it is extremely strong. It maintains a high
strength:weight ratio. In fact, a rod that is made from steel needs to be twice
as heavy as a similar rod made of titanium to have the same strength.
Why Not Use Aluminum
Instead?
A titanium
wire is incredibly strong when
compared to an aluminum wire. Sure, the latter is used far more commonly in the
racing industry because of its low weight and high strength. When compared to
titanium however, it isn’t nearly as effective. Of course, it isn’t almost as
bad as steel when used in racing machines, but it still has a lower strength to
weight ratio than titanium does.
In the sport of racing, every little detail counts. If the
weight of a vehicle can be reduced even by a few hundred grams, the opportunity
is seized upon. The lighter the vehicle is, the faster it zips down the
circuit, track or road.
Connecting rods that are made of titanium can be used in an
engine to reduce the amount of time it takes to get to maximum RPM. This
reduces the time taken for gear changes, thereby increasing the rate at which
the vehicle accelerates by a large amount.
Protection for
Drivers On The Go
The properties that make titanium great for rods also makes
it one of the best to use in flame-proofing a car and driver. Panels and walls
made out of the lightweight metal allow for a barrier to be created between the
radiators, oil and fuel lines, and the driver. This reduces the incidence of fatalities
and serious injuries in the event of a crash.
Some manufacturers even use titanium in the manufacture of
clutch bell housings and covers for valves that can explode and cause harm to bystanders
and drivers.
Overall, titanium is one of those metals with which one
simply can’t go wrong. In the world of racing, there really isn’t much room
afforded to mistakes being made. A small slip in the design of a vehicle can
lead to a catastrophe on the track. Titanium, by reason of its material
properties including strength and rust-resistance, can be a design choice that
will save more lives and win more races than any other material has before.
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