5 replies to this topic

[Scoots]

Aside from the obvious technical issues, is there a rule saying the teams can't replace the entire brake assembly with the tires? If they could then much smaller, lighter brakes would be possible (though the quick change hardware may negate and weight gains).

just sitting here thinking about Jos' brake failure last year ...

-S

[Jezztor]

Maybe i'm a bit sleepy, but I fail to see why legalization of this, or implementation of this, would decrease brake SIZE and mass?? No, I believe this topic has been discussed before, about 10 to 12 months ago (maybe less), and I think we arrived at the conclusion that it WOULD be legal but probably not efficient enough. Bare in mind it takes MONTHS to fully cure a set of brakes, maybe the demand would be too high...Also I fear the extra added mass of hydraulic connectors, valves, hi pressure tubing within the actual upright / plenum, would be undesired and would rule this out. You don't need a brake change in F1, it hasn't been a recent phenomenon that a brake has exploded, and when they fail, it is usually the hydraulic link or a mechanism within the car (sprung weight enclosure)... Le Mans, maybe...but costs would also escalate...

[desmo]

And good luck keeping air out of the system. I'd imagine a little air could play havoc with a high ratio F1 brake.

[H. Eckener]

Desmo,

Consider this http://www.bakerprecision.com/aqp6.htm Find a better site with technical specs on these fittings and you will see how miniscule the amount of air getting into the fluid is. I believe they are used in Le Mans and I wouldn't be suprised at their use somewhere on an F1 car. They are very handy.

[Jezztor]

Mmm that's exactly what I figured they'd look like. I don't see a problem with getting air in. Brake fluid is very viscous so a valve like those in your heart (one-way valves) can be used to prevent a) liquid from getting out and b) air from getting in. The valve would open when the little ball bearings in those couplings catch.

[desmo]

Cool. Those should work, I understand line pressures in F1 typically reach only ~65 bar.