I've read through the current FIA 2010 F1 rules, and other than the maximum specific modulus, I don't see any rules reagrding uprights, but I have heard through the racing greapvine, that for 2010 these must be made from an Aluminium based material, outlawing the cast titanium uprights that seem to be the current favoured construction method. Can anyone shed any further light on this, true or false ?
For 2010, titanium is still OK for suspension parts. The rules limit is materials with a modulus of 58 x 10^6 psi (40 GPa) or more, which does not prohibit titanium alloys.
This seems logical, since the CRC brakes used in F1 operate at temperatures above 1000degF, in close proximity to the uprights. These temperatures are far above the safe structural limits for any aluminum alloys (ie. about 300degF).
Regards,
Terry
"Q: How do you make a small fortune in racing?
A: Start with a large one!"