One of the primary aims in the setting up of the Colin Chapman Museum and Education Centre is to promote awareness of the need for innovative, efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions to engineering problems. Colin Chapman himself was renowned for “thinking outside the box” and we hope that retelling his achievements will stimulate young people to explore the world with a questioning eye, asking:<\/p>\n
\u2022 What is this for?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Does it do the job?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Is this the most effective use of resources and energy?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Is it even necessary?<\/p>\n
To this end, the Museum Trustees envisage the following activities:<\/p>\n
Education <\/strong><\/p>\n Production of DVD and computer screen presentations of Chapman’s engineering innovations, for distribution to schools and colleges <\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Space frame chassis and rigidity<\/p>\n \u2022 Weight reduction generally<\/p>\n \u2022 Engine development – ports, cam followers, crankshaft modifications<\/p>\n \u2022 Suspension development – Split axle IFS, Chapman strut (1957), inboard spring\/shock absorbers De-Dion rear axle<\/p>\n \u2022 First production road car with glass-fibre unitary chassis\/body (1957 Elite)<\/p>\n \u2022 First Grand Prix car with monocoque chassis (1962 Type 25)<\/p>\n \u2022 First road car with steel backbone chassis and glass-fibre body shell ( 1962 Elan)<\/p>\n \u2022 First rear-engined F1 car using engine as load-bearing chassis member ( Type 49 1967)<\/p>\n \u2022 Ground effect Grand Prix car (1977 Type 78 )<\/p>\n \u2022 Active suspension (1981 Esprit )<\/p>\n In-house presentations to visiting school groups and other specific audiences <\/strong><\/p>\n Presentations in the cinema, similar to Royal Society Christmas lectures, with models, audience participation and lots of fun.<\/p>\n \u2022 Chassis design, triangulation, weight distribution, centre of gravity<\/p>\n \u2022 Suspension – demonstration of different systems, sprung \/ unsprung mass<\/p>\n \u2022 Analysis of spring, mass and shock absorber combinations.<\/p>\n \u2022 Driving \/ race techniques explained.<\/p>\n \u2022 Computer Pit Boss game – decide on driver, fuelling and tyre changing strategy for different circuits.<\/p>\n \u2022 All presentations to end with some aspect of road safety since audience will soon be driving, if not already. Hazard perception competition. Explanation of legal requirements of car use.<\/p>\n \u2022 General guided tours of the museum with hands-on explanation of design features.<\/p>\n \u2022 Enhanced opportunities for training and the development of skills needed in engineering. Open minds to the career opportunities in design and engineering..<\/p>\n \u2022 Linkages with universities to create an environment where engineering can be seen as a career for the young.<\/p>\n