This might seem a daft question, but... would an F1 car handle any better in wet conditions if it was heavier than the rest as a result of being fuelled to the brim or would the difference be marginal if nothing?
Heavier Car Handles Better in Rain?
Started by
dank
, May 27 2008 18:56
5 replies to this topic
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#2
jcbc3
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Posted 27 May 2008 - 19:09
According to my limited knowledge of car dynamics:
In corners, the gain in downward pressure through gravity would be negated by the loss of adhesion through centrifugal forces.
On straights, the increased weight would result in slower acceleration everything else being equal.
So the answer is no.
In corners, the gain in downward pressure through gravity would be negated by the loss of adhesion through centrifugal forces.
On straights, the increased weight would result in slower acceleration everything else being equal.
So the answer is no.
#3
hydra
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Posted 27 May 2008 - 19:31
Heavier car = larger polar moment of inertia in yaw, which in the case of a car with an already very low PMOI like an F1 car, makes it less nervous/twitchy and thus easier to drive..
#4
dank
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Posted 27 May 2008 - 19:46
Yes, no... Perhaps it isn't quite as easy a question to answer as I thought it would be?!
The reason for my question comes from the unscheduled stop Hamilton had to make on lap 6 in Monaco where they fuelled him up to the top. I wondered if this had aided him in any way in the wet and reduced the risk of perhaps aquaplaning etc?
The reason for my question comes from the unscheduled stop Hamilton had to make on lap 6 in Monaco where they fuelled him up to the top. I wondered if this had aided him in any way in the wet and reduced the risk of perhaps aquaplaning etc?
#5
Greg Locock
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Posted 28 May 2008 - 00:47
hydra may have suggested a valid slight modifier, but basically, no. The only place you'd ever want to stick ballast is under ground level, if you are starting from a balanced car.
#6
mini696
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Posted 29 May 2008 - 06:30
No... There are advantages but the disadvantages outweigh those.
Disadvantages such as the extra weight etc are the same whether it is wet or dry.
The main advantage I see is the extra weight will push the tyres down through the water better, and that will help prevent aquaplaning. But... The weight lowers the car and means the flat bottom is closer to the ground which means it is easier to aquaplane.
Disadvantages such as the extra weight etc are the same whether it is wet or dry.
The main advantage I see is the extra weight will push the tyres down through the water better, and that will help prevent aquaplaning. But... The weight lowers the car and means the flat bottom is closer to the ground which means it is easier to aquaplane.
