AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY RETAIL, SERVICE & REPAIR - part 28

 

AURM5421A 

Apply aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic 
principles and effects to competition vehicles 

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to determine aerodynamic and 
vehicle dynamic requirements of competition vehicles, devise 
improvement strategies, apply changes and test results.  

Prerequisites 

AURM4418A  

Select and prepare tyres and wheels for 
motorsport applications 

AURM4417A  

Prepare competition vehicle suspension 

MEM2.13C5A    Perform mathematical computations 

 

ELEMENT PERFORMANCE 

CRITERIA 

1.  Determine optimum tyre 

settings 

 

1.1 

Controlling body rules, category rules, supplementary 
regulations, manufacturer/component supplier 
specifications and team/enterprise requirements are used 
to identify setting requirements 

1.2 

Regulations and specifications/tolerances are examined 
to determine competitive advantage (technical, 
psychological and/or promotional advantage)  

1.3 

OH&S requirements including personal protection needs 
are observed throughout the work 

1.4 

Specifications are checked for required operating 
conditions and clarification of specifications is sought 
where required 

1.5 

Tyre setting requirements are calculated/determined 
according to known factors 

1.6 

Selected tyre settings effects on overall vehicle 
performance are evaluated 

1.7 

Anticipated performance improvement is quantified and 
optimum settings are documented 

2.  Determine optimum 

steering and suspension 
settings 

2.1 

Controlling body and category rules, supplementary 
regulations, component supplier specifications and 
team/enterprise requirements are used to establish 
settings 

2.2 

Regulations and specifications/tolerances are examined 
to determine competitive advantage (technical, 
psychological and/or promotional advantage)  

2.3 

Specifications are checked for required operating 
conditions and clarification of specifications is sought 
where required 

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ELEMENT PERFORMANCE 

CRITERIA 

2.  Determine optimum 

steering and suspension 
settings (continued) 

2.4 

Steering and suspension setting requirements are 
calculated/determined according to known factors 

2.5 

Selected steering and suspension settings effects on 
overall vehicle performance are evaluated 

2.6 

Anticipated performance improvement is quantified and 
optimum settings are documented 

3.  Determine optimum 

aerodynamic device 
settings 

3.1 

Controlling body rules, category rules, supplementary 
regulations, component supplier specifications and 
team/enterprise requirements are used to establish 
settings 

3.2 

Regulations and specifications/tolerances are examined 
for competitive advantage (technical, psychological 
and/or promotional advantage) 

3.3 

Specifications are checked for required operating 
conditions and clarification of specifications is sought 
where required 

3.4 

Aerodynamic device setting requirements are 
calculated/determined according to known factors 

3.5 

Selected aerodynamic device settings effects on overall 
vehicle performance are evaluated 

3.6 

Anticipated performance improvement is quantified and 
optimum settings are documented 

4.  Supervise the 

configuration of 
aerodynamic and 
vehicle dynamic 
settings 

 

4.1  Tools and equipment are checked for safe and effective 

operation 

4.2  The configuration of aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic 

settings is supervised 

4.3  During and after configuration checks are made to ensure 

accurate and complete changes 

4.4  Problems with the work area and/or the operation of the 

equipment are evaluated and decisions implemented 

4.5  Proposals for modifications/adaptation of 

equipment/components are evaluated and implemented 

4.6  Work area cleanliness and layout appropriate for job 

requirements is monitored 

 

ELEMENT PERFORMANCE 

CRITERIA 

5.  Test aerodynamic and 

vehicle dynamic 
settings 

 

5.1  Test procedures are determined 

5.2  Settings are tested against anticipated performance 

improvement 

5.3  Testing procedure and results are documented 

5.4  Recommendations for settings usage are devised, and 

implemented where appropriate 

 

RANGE STATEMENT  

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of 
competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit 
as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this 
particular unit: 

Unit scope 

• 

Work involves determining aerodynamic and vehicle 
dynamic requirements of competition vehicles, devising 
improvement strategies, applying changes and test results. 
It includes terminology, principles and effects of the 
physics involved in resistance and motion 

Unit context 

•  OH&S requirements include relevant state and 

commonwealth legislation, safety management systems, 
controlling body requirements, manufacturer/component 
supplier specifications and safe operating procedures 

•  Work is carried out in accordance with legislative 

obligations (including environmental requirements), 
relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures 
and insurance requirements  

•  Work requires individuals to demonstrate analytical and 

organisational ability, judgement and problem solving 
skills in the application of aerodynamic and vehicle 
dynamic principles and effects to competition vehicles 

Tyre settings 

•  Tyre settings include, but are not limited to: 

•  construction and compound 

•  size (including stagger) 

•  pressure/s 

•  loading/s 

•  temperatures 

AURM5421A Apply aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic principles and effects to competition vehicles 

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©Australian National Training Authority 

 

RANGE STATEMENT  

Steering and suspension 
settings 

 

•  Steering and suspension settings include, but are not 

limited to: 

•  wheel rate and linkage/leverage ratios 

•  spring rate and spring pre-load 

•  vehicle weight, sprung and unsprung weight 

•  anti-roll bar rate (where fitted) 

•  steering angles including toe-in/out, camber and caster 

•  roll centres 

•  ride height 

•  centre of gravity 

Aerodynamic settings 

 

•  Aerodynamic settings include, but are not limited to: 

•  wing angles, height and location 

•  body panels and fittings 

•  ground effects/ride height 

•  frontal areas 

•  lift reduction/ drag reduction  

•  downforce generation  

•  downforce/drag compromise 

Known factors for 
determining suspension 
requirements 

•  Known factors for determining suspension requirements 

include, but are not limited to: 

•  regulatory constraints 

•  budgetary constraints 

•  load and speed characteristics 

•  terrain and climate conditions 

•  driver/rider preferences 

Tools and equipment 

•  Tools and equipment are to include component supplier 

specified tools and may include, but are not limited to, 
jacking equipment, measuring devices, tyre pressure and 
temperature gauges, hand tools, calculators, computers and 
data acquisition systems 

Personal protective 
equipment 

•  Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed 

under legislation, regulations and team/enterprise policies 
and practices 

 

RANGE STATEMENT  

Information and 
procedures 

•  Controlling body rules, category rules and supplementary 

regulations  

•  Team/enterprise procedures relating to applying 

aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic principles and effects to 
competition vehicles  

•  Task instructions including work sheets, check lists, plans, 

drawings and designs 

•  Team/enterprise procedures relating to reporting and 

communication 

•  Team/enterprise procedures relating to the use of tools and 

equipment 

•  Manufacturer/component supplier specifications and 

application procedures for testing equipment and material 

•  Australian Design Rules (where applicable) 

•  Motorsport/performance enhancement industry 

publications related to aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic 
principles 

 

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to 
confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and 
should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement. 

Critical aspects of 
evidence 

•  Interpret and apply team/enterprise requirements, 

controlling body and category rules and supplementary 
regulations  

•  Apply safety requirements including the use of personal 

protective equipment 

•  Follow task instructions, operating procedures and 

inspection processes to:  

•  minimise the risk of injury to self and others 

•  prevent damage to competition vehicle or equipment 

•  achieve required outcomes within team time and quality 

standards 

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EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Critical aspects of 
evidence (continued) 

•  Correctly determine and supervise the configuration of 

optimum aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic settings on a 
minimum of two (2) occasions. Each of the following must 
be covered: 

•  tyre settings 

•  steering and suspension settings 

•  aerodynamic device settings 

•  Appropriate test procedures are selected and correctly 

conducted  

•  Document test results and compare to anticipated 

performance improvements 

•  Manage time efficiently 

•  Work effectively with others 

•  Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace 

context and environment 

Underpinning knowledge 

•  Controlling body rules, category rules and supplementary 

regulations relating to establishing settings 

•  Terminology, principles and effects of the physics 

involved in resistance and motion 

•  Manufacturer/component supplier specifications and 

team/enterprise instructions relating to establishing settings 

•  Aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic principles and their 

effect on competition vehicles 

•  Competition vehicle test methods and procedures 

including record keeping methods 

•  Mathematical computations to determine optimum settings 

•  Team/enterprise guidelines regarding acceptable tolerance 

levels 

•  OH&S policies and procedures 

 

 

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Underpinning skills 

These include a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are 
required in most jobs. Some of these are covered by the national key competencies, although 
others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this 
competency unit. The number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency 
needs to be demonstrated where (1) is where work is within set conditions and process, (2) is 
where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised, and (3) is where 
the design and/or development of conditions or process is required. 

How will the candidate 
apply the following key 
competency in this unit? 

The candidate will need to: 

Collect, analyse and 
organise information 

 

Research, collect, organise and understand information related to 
the application of aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic principles 
and effects to competition vehicles including the relevant 
technical, regulatory, environmental and safety requirements. 

 (Level 3)

Communicate ideas and 
information 

 

Communicate ideas and information to enable clarification of the 
requirements, coordination of work with supervisors, and other 
workers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems. 

(Level 2)

Plan and organise 
activities 

 

Plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout 
of the work area and the coordination of equipment, systems and 
material to avoid any backtracking, work flow interruptions or 
wastage. 

(Level 2)

Work with others and in 
a team 

 

Work with others to foster the team by recognising dependencies 
and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and 
productivity. 

(Level 2)

Use mathematical ideas 
and techniques 

 

Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete 
measurements and calculations required during the application of 
aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic principles and effects to 
competition vehicles. 

(Level 3)

Solve problems 

 

Create and apply systematic problem solving techniques to 
anticipate problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage. 

(Level 3)

AURM5421A Apply aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic principles and effects to competition vehicles 

Automotive Industry RS&R 

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AUR99 Version 4.00 Review by 30 June 2004 

©Australian National Training Authority 

 

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Underpinning skills (continued) 

Use technology 

 

Use the workplace technology related to determining the 
requirements for the application of aerodynamic and vehicle 
dynamic principles and effects to competition vehicles including 
tools, measuring devices, equipment, calculators and computers. 

(Level 2)

 

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Resource implications 

•  Access to competition vehicles and associated assembly 

tools in real or appropriately simulated situations involving 
the application of repair/modification techniques and the 
related computing, operational and inventory support 
systems 

This includes real or simulated work areas, material, 
equipment and information on work specifications, 
team/enterprise requirements, organisation procedures, 
relevant safety procedures and regulations and quality 
standards 

Method of assessment 

•  Assessment methods must confirm consistency of 

performance over time and in a range of workplace 
relevant contexts 

•  Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and 

questioning on underpinning knowledge 

•  Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in 

conjunction with assessment of other units of competency 

Context/s of assessment 

•  Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace 

simulated facility with relevant process equipment, 
material, work instructions and deadlines 

•  Assessment of this competency may include project related 

tasks and require portfolios or other forms of indirect 
evidence of process 

•  Direct evidence will include endorsement of final 

outcome/product by team/enterprise management or 
authorisation for use by a competent authority