Critical Reflection

Critical Thinking and Communication is an amazing module. Reflecting on the past 13 weeks, it has been a great journey as I have learned a lot of communication skills through this module. I recalled the goals I set for this module were improving my communication skills such as public speaking. After learning about presentation skills taught during UCS lessons, I can see significant improvements in my confidence and skills. Especially for the team oral presentation, it was a great opportunity for me to perform formal public speaking. I have prepared the script and practiced it for a few days so that I can deliver my speech fluently and confidently. Through the oral presentation, I realised that presentation skill is more than technical skill. The English Language has been my weakest subject since I was young, I felt fearful and had the least motivation for it. Over these 13 weeks, this module has guided me with various tips to improve my speaking and writing skills, especially the feedback given by Professor Blackstone and peers which I realised these are very helpful. The communication skills that I learned through this module will be very important in the future, especially when we enter the workforce where presentations are usual practices. I believe that I have achieved the goals that I mentioned earlier in my introduction letter. After this module ends, I will continue to sharpen my skills through other presentations and reports that I will encounter in the future. 

Project learning is a huge component of this module. I am glad to work with my project teammates who are Luqman, Wei Li and Zaki. Even though we did not know each other in the beginning, I felt appreciated that we pulled off a great technical report and an oral presentation together as a team. It was a combined effort from all of us to produce a great report and prove that teamwork is effective. Communication is crucial for us to succeed and work efficiently as we have clarified our doubts with each other and know clearly what we should do individually. Other than the group work, I felt that I had improved my writing skills as well. In the past, I mostly did the reports blindly by transferring the data that I found and had a lot of grammar errors. While writing the technical report, I was inspired by the lessons on writing an effective technical report. Additionally, my teammates and I encouraged each other and gave feedback on our writing skills so that we could learn from each other and make improvements to the report. Peer review is also a crucial component in this module as it allows us to learn from one another and realise the mistakes that we have made when other teams pointed out. Through the peer reviews and Professor Blackstone’s comments, I always can take up something different every time and make improvements to my writing skills. Through the project learning, I hope to apply these skills in other group projects and assignments and even in the workplace.

Thank you Professor Blackstone for the guidance in this module, Cheers!

Summary Reader Response Draft #4

 The Lamborghini Huracán STO, a supercar designed for the racetrack, is a true marvel of automotive engineering. While its stunning looks and lightning-fast speed often steal the spotlight, one crucial component that underpins its performance and safety is its advanced braking system (Open AI, 2023). According to the Lamborghini websites (2021), the Lamborghini Huracán STO's powerful braking system is built around its carbon-ceramic brake discs. These cutting-edge discs, also known as carbon-ceramic rotors or CCM (Carbon Ceramic Matrix), represent a significant advancement in high-performance braking technology. The webpage also features carbon-ceramic discs that resist overheating and maintain an impressive lightweight profile. According to Lam (2021), “the front discs measure 390mm and have six-piston calipers, while the rear discs are 360mm and with four-piston calipers.” The brake calipers are painted in vibrant colors that add to the car's aesthetic appeal and signify their high-performance capabilities. According to information provided by (Open AI, 2023), these calipers are designed to apply precise pressure to the carbon-ceramic discs, ensuring optimal braking performance under varying conditions. It also says that these calipers are constructed from a single piece of aluminum, enhancing their strength and effectiveness, and resulting in impeccable stopping power even during the most intense racing scenarios. The Lamborghini Huracan STO's brake system represents an excellent integration of technology and engineering, offering track racing enthusiasts an ideal combination of precision, safety, and durability by having heat resistance and brake fade in the system.

According to Lamborghini (n.d.), the heat resistance of these carbon-ceramic discs is one of the features of the braking system. The intense heat generated during high-speed braking poses a significant challenge, and conventional cast-iron brake discs often struggle to maintain performance under these conditions. However, carbon-ceramic discs consistently deliver reliable stopping power even when subjected to extreme temperatures. Furthermore, carbon-ceramic discs are substantially lighter than their cast iron counterparts. This reduction in unspring mass contributes to the Lamborghini Huracán STO's overall agility, responsiveness, and precise handling, which are critical attributes for a track-focused supercar. Additionally, according to Lamborghini (2021), the resistance to brake is another advantage of having carbon-ceramic discs. The Lamborghini Huracán STO's carbon-ceramic brake discs provide the driver with reliable stopping power throughout strenuous track sessions. Even though the Lamborghini Huracan STO's braking system is built to withstand extreme circumstances, including track use, brake fade can still happen while driving aggressively for an extended period of time. Therefore, Lamborghini Huracán STO's carbon-ceramic brake discs provide the driver with reliable stopping power throughout strenuous track sessions.

Another unique element of this brake system is having a cooling duct. According to Lyon (2021), Huracan's braking systems also have a new front cooling duct designed to cool off the discs and calipers of the brake systems during intense track sessions efficiently. It has aerodynamic components that help keep the braking system cool during intense track driving sessions. This excellent design assures consistent braking performance even in the most adverse circumstances.

According to Lamborghini (n.d.), the collaboration between these high-performance brakes and the car's onboard computer system underscores Lamborghini's commitment to safety and performance. This synergy ensures drivers can confidently navigate high-speed corners without the risk of spinouts, delivering an optimal track racing experience. The car incorporates advanced electronic brake assist and stability control systems to further enhance the Lamborghini Huracán STO's braking performance and overall stability. These electronic aids work seamlessly with the brake components to optimize stopping power while maintaining control over the vehicle. Furthermore, the website also states that the Lamborghini Huracán STO boasts cutting-edge stability control systems such as Lamborghini's LDVI (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata). These systems continuously monitor vehicle parameters, including wheel speed, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration. When necessary, these systems can modulate individual brake calipers to assist in stabilizing the car during aggressive cornering or when faced with understeer and oversteer conditions. Such electronic aids ensure that the Lamborghini Huracán STO gives its driver the utmost confidence and control, especially in high-performance driving scenarios and ensures the safety of the drivers.

Although this brake system provides such high-end technology and is designed to deliver better efficiency, durability, and safety. The CCM-R brake discs are more expensive to replace when it comes to maintenance. According to Brembo (2022), the discs use high-quality fastening and incredibly durable materials. Additionally, the production of discs includes several intricate steps that need skilled personnel and machinery.

In conclusion, this high-performance braking system in Lamborghini Huracán STO has clearly shown that Lamborghini always keeps up its standard of advanced braking technology in this automotive industry for high-performance vehicles.  By using the excellent cutting-edge carbon-ceramic discs along with the heat resistance and brake fade which allows the whole braking system to deliver excellent performance for intense racing and ensure the safety of the driver. The Lamborghini Huracán STO can be a good example of advanced braking technology and has the future potential for more improvement in high-end vehicles.

References:

Brembo. (2022, January 21). Jason Fenske Explains Why Carbon Ceramic Discs Are So Expensive. Brembo.

https://www.brembo.com/en/company/news/jason-fenske-explains-why-carbon-ceramic-discs-are-so-expensive

Lam, A., Chan, D., & Ming, F. (2021, December 25). Lamborghini Huracán STO Review: A Breed Apart. Torque.

https://www.torque.com.sg/reviews/lamborghini-huracan-sto-review-a-breed-apart/

Lamborghini. (2021, October 5). Huracán STO: New CCM-R Braking System. Lamborghini.com.

https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/news/huracan-sto-new-ccm-r-braking-system

Lamborghini. (n.d.). Racetrack To Road: The New Lamborghini Huracán STO. https://preview.thenewsmarket.com/Previews/lamb/DocumentAssets/572482_v2.pdf

Lyon, P. (2021, November 8). 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO Review. Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/11/08/lamborghini-huracan-sto-review/

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

Student Participation Self-Assessment

In my opinion, I believe that I deserve "Excellent" for my student participation. I am always punctual and have 100% attendance for the lessons. I pay attention to what the professor is teaching and am keen to learn something from this module. I will clear my doubts with the professor if have any and always follow his instructions in the lessons.