Mclaren MP4-30 Honda

[mikeerfol]

[Thunder]

This was posted by the user muramasa over at autosport.



http://as-web.jp/photonews/info.php?c_id=1&no=76347


Also:

[dren]

I can't stand that second swoosh on the nose.

[Lucky]

[Thunder]

The Inlet Plenum seems to be made aut of Carbon now.

[Lucky]

[Thunder]

So the Livery change extends even on the Internals....

[3jawchuck]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEZ68wWWMAEu4Le.jpg

I think a change to the inlet plenum comes at the cost of a token? I don't know, but I doubt a material change would be free.

[Thunder]

AMuS claims no tokens used. https://twitter.com/andihaupt1/status/5 ... 8340075520

[GPR-A duplicate2]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEZ68wWWMAEu4Le.jpg

Is that some kind of fibre coating on top of the plenum, instead of plenum itself being made up of fibre element? A metallic object provides far more air tightened sealing than a fibre one, where there is some amount of elasticity in its nature.

[Silent Storm]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEZ68wWWMAEu4Le.jpg

Is that some kind of fibre coating on top of the plenum, instead of plenum itself being made up of fibre element? A metallic object provides far more air tightened sealing than a fibre one, where there is some amount of elasticity in its nature.

Some manufacturers have started using carbon fibre intake manifold and airbox to save weight in road cars. Plastic intake manifold is used in road cars to save weight and reduce cost.
Same reason can be applied here.

I see no reason why carbon fibre cannot provide a air tight seal than a aluminium one.

[GPR-A duplicate2]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEZ68wWWMAEu4Le.jpg

Is that some kind of fibre coating on top of the plenum, instead of plenum itself being made up of fibre element? A metallic object provides far more air tightened sealing than a fibre one, where there is some amount of elasticity in its nature.

Some manufacturers have started using carbon fibre intake manifold and airbox to save weight in road cars. Plastic intake manifold is used in road cars to save weight and reduce cost.
Same reason can be applied here.

I see no reason why carbon fibre cannot provide a air tight seal than a aluminium one.

You are right, as far as the road cars are concerned. But in these F1 cars, heat inside would play a big part in influencing the elasticity of the fibre.

[PlatinumZealot]

The plenum shape didn't change so can Honda defend the change as one that doesn't increase performance of the engine? (Car performance improves though!! lighter weight!)

[Silent Storm]

Carbon fibre has better high temperature tolerance than other materials.
That is why they changed it.
I don't think they gained 2 tenths from that so no need to defend!!

[taperoo2k]

I see no reason why carbon fibre cannot provide a air tight seal than a aluminium one.
You are right, as far as the road cars are concerned. But in these F1 cars, heat inside would play a big part in influencing the elasticity of the fibre.

Depends on how the carbon fibre has been structured in the manufacturing process. For all we know there could be a thin layer of aluminium or other material to act as an air seal (no idea if that would be allowed in terms of the regulations). Also heat dissipation in this case might be a help more than a hindrance given where this part is located in the car.