UK’s technical writer Craig Scarborough has produced a really informative article about Lotus Renault’s tricky exhaust system fitted on its new R31 Formula 1 cars seen in Valencia, Spain.
Last year, several teams used the blown diffuser concept, either by blowing exhaust gases over the top of the diffuser or by creating an opening into the diffuser to blow the gases inside the diffuser.
The idea was to generate more downforce as hot air increase negative pressure. This concept was already used during the ‘80s when the hot gases produced by the ultra powerful turbo engines were blown directly into the diffusers.
Since the infamous blown diffusers have been banned for 2011, teams worked hard on new systems that could increase downforce.
The Lotus Renault team has found a new with an exhaust that exits at the front of the side pods.
The hot gases blown underneath the side pods should increase the downforce generated by the diffuser located at the back of the car.
For a full explanation about this tricky device, please click here to read Craig Scarborough’s feature.
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| Photo: WRI2 |
Last year, several teams used the blown diffuser concept, either by blowing exhaust gases over the top of the diffuser or by creating an opening into the diffuser to blow the gases inside the diffuser.
The idea was to generate more downforce as hot air increase negative pressure. This concept was already used during the ‘80s when the hot gases produced by the ultra powerful turbo engines were blown directly into the diffusers.
Since the infamous blown diffusers have been banned for 2011, teams worked hard on new systems that could increase downforce.
The Lotus Renault team has found a new with an exhaust that exits at the front of the side pods.
The hot gases blown underneath the side pods should increase the downforce generated by the diffuser located at the back of the car.
For a full explanation about this tricky device, please click here to read Craig Scarborough’s feature.
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