Under/Overbite Sidepod Inlets

[v3rify]

What has led to the design of underbite and overbite sidepod inlets specifically during this regulation set, as in 2021 to the best of my knowledge all sidepod inlet leading edges were more or less inline on the x-axis. Is this due to the previous regs not permitting this design or have the benefits only now being discovered? If the 2022 regulations never came into place would we likely see the current sidepod inlet designs now?

[JordanMugen]

Bargeboards used to be allowed...

[carisi2k]

With the move to underfloor aero and the ban on bargeboards the sidepods became the replacements for barge boards to control the over floor aero. The inlets going to overbight allow the capture of more air to run along this sidepod area. In doing so it also means higher pressure air through the smaller radiator inlets and into the radiators.

[Chuckjr]

What has led to the design of underbite and overbite sidepod inlets specifically during this regulation set, as in 2021 to the best of my knowledge all sidepod inlet leading edges were more or less inline on the x-axis. Is this due to the previous regs not permitting this design or have the benefits only now being discovered? If the 2022 regulations never came into place would we likely see the current sidepod inlet designs now?

Vertical inlets are not a new discovery, if that’s what you’re asking.

[Andi76]

What has led to the design of underbite and overbite sidepod inlets specifically during this regulation set, as in 2021 to the best of my knowledge all sidepod inlet leading edges were more or less inline on the x-axis. Is this due to the previous regs not permitting this design or have the benefits only now being discovered? If the 2022 regulations never came into place would we likely see the current sidepod inlet designs now?

I would like to add to the above posts - the overbite ensures that the high pressure that is created under the inlet can be "trapped" there better and is more stable and possibly slightly higher. This ensures that the front wheel wake is "pushed" outwards better and causes less damage.