3 replies to this topic

[desmo]

40Gpa/(g/cc) Modulus of Elasticity. This is the maximum stiffness/density allowed for metallic engine pieces allowed in F1 engines beginning n 2001. That's the FIA's semi-clever way of banning beryllium alloys. The rationale offered for this proscription is to keep the F1 teams from spending themselves into the poorhouse buying AlBe 162 pistons for their engines, leaving them free to spend it instead on palatial HQs, tasteless million pound launch extravaganzas and champers and caviar spreads for the billionaire VIP guests! Pity, McLaren will have to throw away a gazillion pounds worth of satellite metal pistons and liners.

What shall they be replacing them with? Most likely: MMCs (metal matrix composites), basically aluminun alloy mixed with silicon carbide powder, an abrasive guarenteed to turn the finest machine tools on earth into scrap. These MMC will be bespoke formulated at incredible expense to have a stiffness of 39Gpa/(g/cc). Or perhaps they will be lining the pockets of Russian ganstas buying scandium for another miracle alloy with promise.

Re-engineering the motors to optimise them for these new materials will likely cost more than a truckload of Be alloy engine internals.

Yet another ill-concieved attempt by the FIA to throttle innovation in F1 without any clear purpose.

[Nathan]

Good point...I think I will become a billionaire. Judging by Bernies intelligence, it cant be that hard.

[Ray Bell]

Why don't they use unobtainium?
You're right, Desmo, about the launches, the HQs and the extravagance. Seems to me Senna made a comment once about this at Rio...
"Just outside that fence there are people living in poverty... but on this side..."

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Life and love are mixed with pain...

[Ray Bell]

Maybe they could simply ban launches and any other form of extravaganza that might benefit the tobacco industry?

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Life and love are mixed with pain...