Since the beginning of the 2010 season, the F-duct of the Formula 1 cars is features in the headlines. How does it work?
Auto123.com recently discussed the matter with the chief engineer of a Formula 1 team.
The main idea of the F-duct is to reduce drag on the straightaway. Drag is aerodynamic turbulences that slows down the car on the straights.
Inverted wings as fitted on the F1 cars generate both downforce and drag. Both are produced by the difference between the high-pressure zone created on top of the flap of the wing, and the low-pressure zone created underneath the flap.
Downforce, the vertical force that pushes the car down to the track, is needed in the corners, but is useless on the straights.
The F-duct starts with an air duct located in front of the moncoque. The air is channeled inside the car, and inside the top of the engine cover.
The air is then blown underneath the lower flap of the rear wing.
Blowing air in this area reduces the difference between the high-pressure and the low-pressure zones, therefore generating less drag, and less downforce.
The end result is a better top speed, in the neighborhood of 6 km/h on the longest straightaways.
Auto123.com recently discussed the matter with the chief engineer of a Formula 1 team.
The main idea of the F-duct is to reduce drag on the straightaway. Drag is aerodynamic turbulences that slows down the car on the straights.
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| The air enters a duct located inside the monocoque. It circulates inside the engine cover and is blown underneath the rear wing. The high-pressure zone is represented the red arrow, while the low-pressure zone is represented by the blue arrow. (Photo: McLaren) |
Inverted wings as fitted on the F1 cars generate both downforce and drag. Both are produced by the difference between the high-pressure zone created on top of the flap of the wing, and the low-pressure zone created underneath the flap.
Downforce, the vertical force that pushes the car down to the track, is needed in the corners, but is useless on the straights.
The F-duct starts with an air duct located in front of the moncoque. The air is channeled inside the car, and inside the top of the engine cover.
The air is then blown underneath the lower flap of the rear wing.
Blowing air in this area reduces the difference between the high-pressure and the low-pressure zones, therefore generating less drag, and less downforce.
The end result is a better top speed, in the neighborhood of 6 km/h on the longest straightaways.