The Official 2012 F1 Thread. Spoilers possible!

[g®eg]

Originally Posted by Clem Kevin

I like that we're all starting to post in here with nothing to do, because we are so anxious for the next race. SPA COULDNT COME ANY SOONER

just because it was the summer break.. doesn't mean the speculation takes a holiday

[ramz]

Speaking about the work undertaken at the team's factory during the summer break,

I thought this was not allowed...

[Clem Kevin]

Originally Posted by ramz

I thought this was not allowed...

I think only for two of the four weeks it's not allowed.

[wxwax]

Grosjean thinks the fast tracks will suit the Lotus. Interesting. I'm glad the racing will resume. Been a long break.

[HarveyMushman]

Those not thrilled by week-to-week variations in the carbon weave pattern of valve stem caps should take a look at the new issue of Motor Sport, which has a feature on Gordon Murray's ideas for a better technical formula. It's a good read.

[g®eg]

revised cascades on Lotus nose
plus pelican chin





Ferrari low down-force rear wing



low down-force rear wing on Merc as well



Sauber rear detail: the arch shaped carbon part over the rear suspension supports the entire rear wing

[g®eg]

rumor is there's big changes at Red Bull... no spy shots yet though

[g®eg]

updates at McLaren



new boards, to guide air around the sidepod.

[wannaklr]

That McLaren outer board is just dead sexy!

Always wondered why the leading edges were so blunt. Figured a knife edge would have less drag.

I am not an aerodynamicist, and would love a simple answer.

[g®eg]

Originally Posted by wannaklr

That McLaren outer board is just dead sexy!

Always wondered why the leading edges were so blunt. Figured a knife edge would have less drag.

I am not an aerodynamicist, and would love a simple answer.

probably structural (easier to make strong) and also attached flow.
the leading edge of an airplane wing isn't a knife edge either.

but... dunno

from a glider builders forum.....

You dont want to have a sharp leading edge, because then the wing will want to chop through the air, and not fly smoothly. When the leading edge is pointed it has a greater tendency to want to hunt its way through the air. what i mean by this is that it will be flying one direction, and then a change in the air will cause it to move in a different direction very rapidly, and not smoothly like if it were round.

[California]

Spa this weekend! Can't wait for the second season to begin. They've all had so much time to work on the cars since Budapest it's hard to guess whose improvements will make the most difference.

My money? Ferrari and Red Bull will show the most and will be all over the podium from here on out.........

But WTF do I know?

[Fajita Dave]

Originally Posted by wannaklr

That McLaren outer board is just dead sexy!

Always wondered why the leading edges were so blunt. Figured a knife edge would have less drag.

I am not an aerodynamicist, and would love a simple answer.

Drag is created mostly by the low pressure zone behind the moving object. Its not all that important to have a small knife edge cutting into the air compared to having smooth "laminar" airflow along and behind the car/wings. In other words it needs to be knife edge sharp at the back but round and smooth at the front.

For example: A tractor-trailer doesn't have a lot of drag because of all the large flat surfaces on the front (but it is part of it). Most of the drag comes from the low pressure following the huge flat door in the back with nothing to smooth out the airflow. Compare that to a rain drop which is said to be the most aerodynamic shape because it forms on its own naturally with the shape for the lowest possible amount of drag. It has a large rounded tip that tapers back to a sharp point at the back.

[Mike_drz]

sweet

[HarveyMushman]

[Shocktower]

Originally Posted by HarveyMushman

Will be interesting Race if it happens , I am watching the rain right now at Spa