Tech: McLaren's Engine Fin
By Jaime M July 14 2008
Mclaren showed on this week a new engine cover, similar to the one first introduced by Red Bull on February and later copied by sister team Toro Rosso, Renault, Force India, Williams (but with a clearly) different shape and even Toyota. The shape of it looks very similar to Red Bull, though apparently looks more elegant (at least from our point of view) most probably helped by Mclaren’s livery.
Mclaren showed on this week a new engine cover, similar to the one first introduced by Red Bull on February and later copied by sister team Toro Rosso, Renault, Force India, Williams (but with a clearly) different shape and even Toyota. The shape of it looks very similar to Red Bull, though apparently looks more elegant (at least from our point of view) most probably helped by Mclaren’s livery.
Mclaren showed on this week a new engine cover, similar to the one first introduced by Red Bull on February and later copied by sister team Toro Rosso, Renault, Force India, Williams (but with a clearly) different shape and even Toyota.
The shape of it looks very similar to Red Bull, though apparently looks more elegant (at least from our point of view) most probably helped by Mclaren’s livery.
In Mclaren’s case, the cut has a horizontal U-shape, while in Red Bull and Renault’s case it reminded more to a shark fin. Note than in the Mp4-23, both the upper and lower part of the U reach more or less the same length (the lower even “surpassing” the extra horizontal wing at the level of the rear axle), while in Red Bull’s case the upper part extends more backwards than the lower.The aim of this innovation is to increase the car lateral stability, especially under yaw (more specifically at the corner’s entry). Given this year’s Traction Control ban, it makes no surprise teams are searching for a more stable and predictable rear.
A way too see it is: in a high speed turn, the side G-forces “want” to push in radial direction (around the CoG of the car). The large area of the fin helps to pull the car back (by applying an inverse torque). This solution is probably better than adding more downforce to create extra rear grip as the tires are already at full stress.
Note that the “U” undercut of the engine cover allows the airflow going to the rear wing to continue when the car slides, yet the more extended parts still provide stability.
Also this engine cover improves the quality of the air going to the rear wing, even at straights or low angle corners, as it reduces possible turbulences, making the airflow more laminar (colloquially it would be like straightening the airflow) hence increasing rear wing’s efficiency, at least in its middle section. And at high-degree angle corners (high yaw), it helps keeping the airflow going to the rear wing, hence not losing much downforce.
One downside of the fin is the increased effect of lateral wind, something especially important in tracks like Barcelona or Silverstone, where strong wings are usual, that could end up causing problems to the drivers, struggling to keep the car where they want to.
So interestingly both Mclaren and Toyota have not started testing it until both mentioned circuits have passed.
Also it slightly adds some drag, due to increased lateral friction surface, but we are sure that the benefits overcome these downsides. We doubt half of the grid would introduce it if it didn’t give sufficient gains.
We will see whether Mclaren will debut it or not at the German GP, as during the tests they used both this new engine cover and the more conventional one.
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| 15 Jul, 2008 14:52 | Report |
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BMW: The Essence of Racing |
Date Joined: Apr, 2007 Location: Spain Posts: 6207 |
Re: Tech: McLaren's Engine Fin
Mclaren won't race it yet, at least not in the German GP, has emerged. Seems it needs further evaluation. Read at http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69149
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| 16 Jul, 2008 06:43 | Report |
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Registered User |
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| 16 Jul, 2008 07:06 | Report |
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