F1 technology being used for healing injured soldiers, land probes on Mars

London, March 12 (ANI): When novel techniques were first developed for Formula One racing, their inventors would not have thought that they would one day also turn out to be beneficial for healing the wounds sustained by soldiers, and for prolonging the life of central heating systems.

Now, the Fast Forward: 20 ways F1 exhibition at the Science Museum in London shows that F1 technology can be used to heal injuries and land probes on Mars.

The new exhibition shows how principles used in hydraulic dampers in Formula One have been used to develop a leg brace that minimises the impact of the repeated shocks to the legs suffered by United States Marines travelling in rigid inflatable boats in heavy seas.

The brace has also been shown to help soldiers cover from knee injuries.

The exhibition also demonstrates how the casing of the 2003 Beagle 2 Mars lander used a special lightweight plastic first used in F1 exhaust systems, adapted to protect the craft's sensitive scientific instruments.

It further shows how strong but light carbon fibre shells used for the body of racing cars have also been used to create the Babypod II, a container used to transport babies requiring urgent medical treatment.

"Formula One engineering is a thriving activity in the UK. I hope the exhibition provides a unique perspective, and will appeal to a wide range of visitors, including those who aren't necessarily interested in motor racing," the Telegraph quoted Katie Maggs, the curator of the exhibition, as saying.

While rubber compounds used in Formula One tyres is being used for applications like an anti-slip work boot, scientists have also made magnetic filters to combat rust and sludge in domestic heating systems based on similar technology used to clean engine and gearbox oil.

The exhibition also reveals that low-friction fishing rods, which make it easier to haul in fish because less effort is required, have been inspired by the development of tyres slick enough to keep up speed, but with just enough grooves to ensure adequate grip. (ANI)