7 replies to this topic

[Top Fuel F1]

Originally posted by PDA
The stated purpose of the barge boards is to control and direct airflow to the rear of the car, and particularly to the air intakes for the radiators. In addition, they (may) have some effect in changing airflow to the underside of the car. One presumes that Ferrari found some beneficial effect from the compound curve used in their latest design. The previous design had a single outward curve at the upper front, making the tapered end plate at the bottom neccesary to mask the deflection from vertical. the modified board has an outward curve about two thirds of the way up from the bottom. There is some speculation that this was to increase airflow to the radiators. ferrari's mistake was not to increase the size of the tapered end plate tp mask the outward curve which extends much further to the rear than previously. IMO they were very lucky to be able to prove that the out of compliance was only 5 mm rather than 10 mm. I would bet that at Suzuka, new boards will have been made which completely mask the protruberence.

When I first saw these things my first thought was that they deflected road debris away from the cooling intakes. Since being on BB it's become obvious that they are working other aero functions for the car. PDA's Post is one that speaks to this. Is there any more specifics that could embellish on this?

Rgds;

[Ali_G]

I have my personal view on Barge Boards.

When looking at them from a front view, it splits the air into 2 passages.

1. The air goes down between the bargeboard and the chassis and ends up going into the radiator.

2. It goes the other side of the barge baord. This air is then deflected around the sidepods and hence gives better airflow around the sidepods.

Ever notice that with the introduction of Barge Boards that the front of the sidepods became less rounded. Just look at the McLaren's of the early 90's and you'll see what I am saying.

Am I right or am I wrong.

Niall

[desmo]

My pet theory is that the primary purpose of barge boards is to direct turbulent flow coming off the front tires and front wing away from the bodywork aft. They may also help constrain the flow of air to the splitter helping maintain it's velocity and smooth flow around the sidepods. I suspect their influence on overall aero is widely overestimated as evidenced by the Jordan's and William's designs. Jag tried the tiny J and W style barge boards at Hock last year and if they were critical to aero, I don't think such a huge change would have been contemplated at mid-season even for a low downforce track like Hock.

[Top Fuel F1]

Originally posted by Top Fuel F1

When I first saw these things my first thought was that they deflected road debris away from the cooling intakes. Since being on BB it's become obvious that they are working other aero functions for the car.

The most plausible explanation of what the aero function of the barge boards is in a current article by Craig Scarborough. He describes how the front wing under-fences help direct the turbulent air from the front wing's outer edges towards the concave barge boards. The barge boards deflect this air away from the side pod cooling intakes. At the same time the barge boards allow the relatively undisturbed air, flowing over the central portion of the front wing to flow around and into the side pod cooling inlets.

Rgds;

[Ali_G]

I just want to put something extra forward here.

As I have said i think Barge Boards are just a system so that air is easily pushed around the sidepods and hence better aerodynamics and lighter.

Here is why I think this.

At the moment take a look at the Ferrari or BAR. Their sidepods are very square with flat pieces of bodywork facing into the oncoming air. THis would obviously be an aero nightmare. But with the bargeboards pushing air around the sidepods it doesn't matter.

But just remember before there were barge boards. Back then the sidepods were extremely rounded so as to increase aero efficiencey.

Niall

[BRG]

I don't know what they do, nor to be honest do I care much. I am just sure that all these extraneous aerodynamic devices need to be outlawed. No more mini X winglets, or tricky front wing ends. These devices serve no useful purpose for the greater good of humanity - you will never see them on your road car. They simply cost a fortune to develop, require massively expensive wind-tunnels and keep phalanxes of aerodynamicists employed and are part of the ever escalating cost of F1.

[dolomite]

Originally posted by BRG
I don't know what they do, nor to be honest do I care much. I am just sure that all these extraneous aerodynamic devices need to be outlawed. No more mini X winglets, or tricky front wing ends. These devices serve no useful purpose for the greater good of humanity - you will never see them on your road car. They simply cost a fortune to develop, require massively expensive wind-tunnels and keep phalanxes of aerodynamicists employed and are part of the ever escalating cost of F1.

And they look ridiculous.

[Schummy]

The first time I see a barge board was in a McLaren and I found it ridiculous Nowadays I'm more used at it. Anyway I agreed in it isn't purposeful for a good cause and I would not be sad if it was outlawed