aleks_ader wrote: ↑14 Apr 2018, 12:01
@Vanja that was also my thinking also. At launch of car it seems so.
1. But i think in this PU formula they hit the upper limit of surface area already. I doubt will it happen. Power and efficiency is too detrimental even on those tracks where you are thermal limited because lower average speed hence lower cooling capacity. This year by only 3 PU elements heat management even more detrimental. Its the total compromise to improve L/D to power ratio.
Good points, however - 2017 Ferrari was a lot wider and had larger frontal area (excluding wheels and tyres), 2018 Mercedes is almost as wide as 2017 car. So I don't think frontal area is detrimental.
aleks_ader wrote: ↑14 Apr 2018, 12:01
2. Also midwing is already pretty big. And also to make big changes in that area should drastically effect of rear coke bottle of the car. And especially diffuser and its floor. So i think NO.
This is the only real concern, if they could manage to keep the same flow structures and not to loose too much energy with more aggressive mid wing - I don't see a reason not to introduce it where high downforce trumps efficiency.
aleks_ader wrote: ↑14 Apr 2018, 12:01
3. I would say they will intruduce maybe some revision around mirror stalks area to induce potentially more downwash at lower speeds. And also madatory bigger hot air exits. Overall to make high rake work is 100% right way to spend all those CFD HOURS. Then you could just bold wing vertical and dont be bothered at all with potential huge "changes". Stable underfloor should benefit more on long term. It is right way to go.
Bargeboards for the win.
Bring back the aero skirts boys.
Floor and diffuser contribute to more than 50% of overall downforce, that's true. However, next in line is rear wing with something around 30-35% overall downforce. Now, when you look at plan view, you see how big the floor is compared to rear wing. Floor and diffuser make efficient downforce, but they are not very effective in terms of surface required to do it.
Wings always trump floor for high downforce.
To be honest, I just like the idea that it's possible to do it. Not often do teams choose to change side pod inlets, and it's always for good, it's not changeable. I really like idea of different aero kits in Indy car and would like to see something like it in F1, but more dramatic than "simple" wing changes.
paddyf1 wrote: ↑14 Apr 2018, 14:02
What makes you say that "an option for this car to have completely different side pod inlet and outboard wing(s"?
You saw the photo I posted, right? The whole bodywork is removable, unlike last year.