"Speed precision; optimize speed with Zemic load cells when testing racing cars!"

Load cells play a crucial role in the setting of JOTA's LMP2 racing car (Le Mans Prototype 2). LMP2 cars are high-performance racing prototypes used in endurance races, including the prestigious '24 Hours of Le Mans'. In this context, load cells are built into vehicle element testing equipment, which are used to simulate and analyze different forces and loads acting on the car under different conditions. Load cells are special sensors used to measure forces, also called force transducers. They are of added value for understanding and optimizing the performance and driving characteristics of a racing car.

JOTA is one of the most experienced and successful sports car teams in recent history. This team has finished on the podium nine times in the LMP2 of Le Mans over the past ten years; and finished 2nd and 3rd overall at Le Mans in 2017.

With the help of force transducers, JOTA managed to optimize the vehicle adjustment during the winter break and thus 'fly' into the new season. In previous years they managed to reach the podium in nine out of ten races. By using our S-type load cell, they intend to ensure that the number of podium places continues to increase.

Zemic and JOTA

• One of the most experienced and successful sports car teams
• High-performance racing prototypes used in endurance racing
• Advanced technology
• High-quality force transducers for optimizing the performance of a racing car
• Fast delivery of force transducers from stock in Europe

How Zemic advised JOTA

The collaboration between the two companies went very smoothly. Jota's engineers already had a lot of knowledge about load cells. With some extra advice, they could easily choose the most suitable load cell from Zemic's wide range.

The implementation of the force transducer was carried out by JOTA itself. Fast delivery was important to JOTA. Zemic Europe managed to deliver the part from the warehouse in the Netherlands to the JOTA factory within 24 hours. The force transducer was implemented within a few hours and that shows how easy it is to use the Zemic force transducers.

Which Zemic products are used?

For this project, Zemic recommended using the H3 S-type load cell and the indicator XK3190-A12E.

H3-C3-750KG-3B

• S-type load cell made of H3 nickel-plated alloy steel, OIML approved (25kg-30t)

• Tensile and compression applications.

• Also available in imperial capacities and sizes.

• Suitable for hanging, hoisting and hopper applications and other weighing devices.

The load cell is used in the setup to measure the torsional stiffness of various rods used as spring elements on the LMP2 racing car. The reason for using an S-type, or load cell for compressive and tensile loads, is that some bars are rotated in opposite directions and therefore the load must be measured in both directions.

Indicator XK3190-A12E

• Suitable for 1 to 4 load cells.

• High speed, high accuracy Σ – Δ A/D conversion technology.

• Special anti-vibration software technology.

• Suitable for electronic platform, floor and other electronic static scales.

The stiffness in Nm/Deg was calculated based on the load and deflection (measured with a DTI). It can then check if some elements are out of tolerance and need to be replaced, or make a better match of 2 bars in Jota's extensive inventory, which also tracks results between tests.

More information and data sheets for these products can be found here:

S-type force transducer H3          Indicator

More about JOTA racing cars

The integration of force transducers into the testing of racing car elements represents a significant leap forward in the motorsport world. The precision and real-time feedback they provide allows engineers to push the boundaries of performance, shaving precious seconds off their lap times and competing at the highest level.

As load cell technology continues to develop, race cars can achieve new levels of precision, efficiency and safety. This ensures even better performance and will allow them to maintain their highly regarded status in endurance racing.

In addition to the great racing performance of the cars, JOTA has also succeeded in producing a very nice racing car. We as Zemic Europe wish them the best of luck with the upcoming races. We will be looking forward to more victories for JOTA, especially during the Le Mans races.

Your weighing expert is ready to help you

For all your questions about the integration of (custom-made) strain gauges, force sensors, load cells or miniature sensors, please feel free to Contact contact one of our weighing experts.