Aerodynamics has become important part of racing in latest years. Average expenditure on each of mean machine is $6,868,000(approx) Development in aerodynamics of car accelerated in late 1960s by Lotus & Ferrari. Aerodynamics is branch of fluid mechanics that deals with motion of air and other gaseous fluids and with the force acting on bodies in motion relative to such fluids With aerodynamic features embedded car has reputation of achieving high speeds with excellent handling characteristics Focus is to have optimal balance between drag & down force
Fundamental law governing is Daniel Bernoullis principal. It relates increase in flow velocity with decrease in pressure. Air flowing on lower surface travels faster than upper surface thus leading to low pressure on lower side. This pressure difference exerts downward force towards track thus increasing road grip & enabling higher speeds. Low pressure area is created between road & chassis.
F = CDAV
Where: F - Aerodynamic drag force C - Coefficient of drag D - Density of air A - Frontal area V - Velocity of object
During 1997 season Ferrari introduced flexible wing which moved closer to ground as aerodynamic force increase. According to 2001 regulations the minimum height of front wing above the ground was increased from 40mm to 100mm. Ferrari introduced center line bent front wing followed by McLaren & Renault, to compensate for loss. Endplates are designed to direct the air between both the front wheels. Some teams have decreased the width of the mainplane to provide extra wings and flaps. As front wheel moved close to chassis it overlapped with front wing creating turbulence.
Suspension members are streamlined into an aerofoil shape to reduce drag. According to regulations suspensions are not allowed to produce downforce. They aerodynamically designed in order to allow air to pass through them undisturbed.
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