4 replies to this topic

[anbeck]

Hi everybody,

sorry for the pretentious thread title, I didn't find a better way to put it into a couple of words.

Anyway. With most of the 2009 cars now shown have been thinking a lot about the two approaches to sidepod 'sculpting' we have seen:
* Ferrari and Renault have a sidepod silhouette that's organically swung and falls steeply right away after the sidepod shoulder.
* McLaren, BMW and Williams, however, have rather bulky and high sidepods, which don't fall off. They are boxey, and especially with the F1.09 much more boxey than it's predecessor.

I could imagine two reasons to have larger sidepods: One could be to have space to place everything that's necessary for KERS. But I doubt that Ferrari has found a so much better way to place all the internal things than the other top teams, so I presume it's a question of aerodynamics.

Which could be the implications of the different approaches? Do the boxey sidepods try to direct air away from the rear suspension and more towards the rear wing?

Thanks for any ideas!
a.

[kNt]

Part of the boxy wings act to replace some functions of the winglets in years before I guess.

Part might also b that they have more trouble to properly cool everything without holes in the bodywork.

[macoran]

Originally posted by anbeck
Hi everybody,

sorry for the pretentious thread title, I didn't find a better way to put it into a couple of words.

Anyway. With most of the 2009 cars now shown have been thinking a lot about the two approaches to sidepod 'sculpting' we have seen:
* Ferrari and Renault have a sidepod silhouette that's organically swung and falls steeply right away after the sidepod shoulder.
* McLaren, BMW and Williams, however, have rather bulky and high sidepods, which don't fall off. They are boxey, and especially with the F1.09 much more boxey than it's predecessor.

I could imagine two reasons to have larger sidepods: One could be to have space to place everything that's necessary for KERS. But I doubt that Ferrari has found a so much better way to place all the internal things than the other top teams, so I presume it's a question of aerodynamics.

Which could be the implications of the different approaches? Do the boxey sidepods try to direct air away from the rear suspension and more towards the rear wing?

Thanks for any ideas!
a.

See Racing Comments Ferrari F60 for latest change to the Ferrari pods.

[scarbs]

I think the two philosophies are aimed at the outlet end of the sidepod, McLaren, Williams & Red Bull have the larger proportion of the outlet near the floor, while the Ferrari, Renault designers have it nearer the axle line. Both have a logical explanation, as designers want both a large gap between the wheels and bodywork for drag reduction, while they also want to have a fast energetic flow along the floor and over the diffuser. Each design achieves one of the aims, as the lower exit obstructs flow over the floor, and the mid exit obstructs flow between the wheels. I would say only Red Bulls scope for exit area along the engine cover could achieve both.

The boxy upper surfaces are probably more for the sidepods internal ducting than any aim to replicate a flick up effect over the rear wheels. The fact that these designs (Ferrari Williams) are disappearing suggests that teams need less cooling than they predicted.

The teams need to house the KERS PCU and Battery pack inside the car, they appear to be split between inside the fuel cell (Renault, Red bull) and inside the sidepods (Mac, Ferrari Toyota). I doubt the decision affects sidepod volume directly as the internalexternal packaging results in the same volume, just a different monocoque shape. BMW appear to be the exception as they are believed to have an aircooled KERS set up, this forces the team into large sidepod inletsoutlets for KERS, while allowing space for the air to be ducted around the electricals appears to have sacrificed sidepod volume. It seems the water cooled KERs solutions are a more space efficient option despite having to have slightly larger radiators.

[roadie]

Interesting stuff Scarbs, thanks. I look forward to more technical articles on the run up to Melbourne!