End Plate holes

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Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:39 am

I don't know if anybody else finds this interesting.. but I just can't quite nail what the exact function of these are. Looking on it, I am not sure why you want the you want to push air under the wing from that position. Anybody cares to explain in detail? maybe a sketch or diagram can help too.

Image
"I was blessed with the ability to understand how cars move," he explains. "You know how in 'The Matrix,' he can see the matrix? When I'm driving, I see the lines."
n smikle
 
Joined: 12 Jun 2008

Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:52 am

My guess would be to help divert air around the front wheels.
Image
'10-'11 Head of Powertrain - Glasgow University Formula Student
Scotracer
 
Joined: 22 Apr 2008
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:54 am

I believe it's to help break down the slower airflow that inevitably builds along an endplate. If you look closely you'll see the intakes are arranged to capture highly charged airflow.

I have to say I admire the work McLaren have done lately. Some real nice aero detailing.
BreezyRacer
 
Joined: 3 Nov 2006

Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:06 am

Yes, maybe they found the improvement in reduction of front-wheel drag offset the possible losses in front downforce.
dumrick
 
Joined: 19 Jan 2004
Location: Portugal

Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:38 am

I wanted more detail though. Not satisfied yet.. keep them coming.

Here is the underside of Ferrari's interpretation:

Image

The exits go right under the wing (which is supposed to be an area low pressure)...

What can one deduce from the pictures?

The implications of this is poking my mind.. Keep it coming.
"I was blessed with the ability to understand how cars move," he explains. "You know how in 'The Matrix,' he can see the matrix? When I'm driving, I see the lines."
n smikle
 
Joined: 12 Jun 2008

Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:07 am

I'm thinking they behave in a similar manner to the multiple element wings, but rotated 90 degrees to direct air around the outside of the wheels as others have stated.
Michiba
 
Joined: 28 Apr 2008

Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:16 am

BreezyRacer wrote:I believe it's to help break down the slower airflow that inevitably builds along an endplate. If you look closely you'll see the intakes are arranged to capture highly charged airflow.

I have to say I admire the work McLaren have done lately. Some real nice aero detailing.


Exactly my thoughts. Thinking they were there to energize the flow.
PNSD
 
Joined: 3 Apr 2006

Post Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:09 pm

Those holes simply transform the highly-loaded endplate from a single-element component into a multi-element component. This way you can have higher camber and a more aggresive turning of the endplate flow ahead of the front wheels.
newbie
 
Joined: 29 Sep 2009

Post Sat Oct 17, 2009 7:44 am

Anything like that around an airfoil endplate is likely a vortex generator. A carefully positioned vortex traveling aft along the outer edge of the undertray, can help to pull air out from underneath the chassis, creating more downforce.

But a vortex flow that helps under some conditions, can also hurt under other conditions.
"Q: How do you make a small fortune in racing?
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riff_raff
 
Joined: 24 Dec 2004


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