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Different carbon rings in one weekend

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For the first time this season, Ferrari were using different ring types in their rear wheels during one single race weekend. As Carlos pointed out on the forum, both cars were fitted with the big rings as displayed in the image, while after the first race stint they were both fitted with smaller rings, in fact the specification of before the Turkish GP. Contrary to what Ferrari and the FIA state though, the device is certainly an aerodynamic help. While it is considered an allowed brake duct by the FIA, the ring itself is a burden to air hot air and dust coming out of the brake. Although it is possible for the FIA, it seems nearly impossible that the device lowers brake temperature. However, as rear brakes actually require less cooling, this duct may also be designed to decrease cooling and therefore keep the brakes warmer.

Comments

By FLC on 10-10-2006 at 01:54

A very biased analysis. The reason for the Ferrari being slower could well be the tyres and the condition of the circuit. There is also no proof that Ferrari needed less/more cooling for the brakes. For more views on this check here.

By Steven on 10-10-2006 at 12:47

Well FLC you are correct and I therefore changed the post a bit. I actually came by the idea that the possible decreased cooling of the brakes might even help the braking power. :idea:

By manchild on 10-10-2006 at 20:08

If they needed less cooling and higher temperature of rear brakes than they\'d reduce diameter of inlet duct and solve the problem. There is absolutely no logic in maintaining inlet duct bigger than it is necessary and keep brakes warmer by reducing outlet duct because that means that bigger inlet duct only increases aero drag.

By Steven on 10-10-2006 at 21:42

I\'m just thinking it may be a valid explanation for the item, I mean combining the ring with smaller duct can be said to be beneficial.

We don\'t have to discuss it\'s aerodynamic advantage, it\'s very clear to anyone who understands the basics of airflow ;)

By mini696 on 11-10-2006 at 01:53

The advantage of it (apart from aero) is they can change the cooling between quali and during the race.

By DaveKillens on 12-10-2006 at 16:09

It appears the reason for different sized holes is just to make wheel changes easier and more reliable. Larger hole are much easier to view and fit the wheel nut, especially under the intense pressure of a pit stop.
If this device does trap hot brake air, then it would most likely stabilize and maintain rim temperature, and thus wheel temperature and pressure. This would give the benefit of keeping the rear tire temperatures higher on slow sections and starts. It would bring the rear tire temperatures up to their optimum grip sooner, giving a car much less prone to oversteer.

By Ian P. on 17-10-2006 at 21:56

I am surprised by a couple of things related to these \"wheel fairings\".
First, I am amazed it took so long for a team to do this.
Wheels are one of the few areas where you have an opportunity to vary a component from slow to fast tracks, and no one was doing it.
These are fans, make no mistake. The air goes in the center hole and out the perimeter around the rim. Basic centrifugal blower technology.
Gives the opportunity to get the brake cooling air from the outside and reduce the sizes of the ducts on the inside of the wheels.
The brake rotor cooling shrouds, that all the teams run, will reduce the heat transfer from the red-hot brakes to the inside of the wheels, probably a good thing. These fairings will \"pump\" air through this area so varying the geometry of the internals of the \"wheel\" could provide some benefits at different stages of the race. Sort of like changing wing settings at pit stops.
What would happen if a team changed the nose and front wing to match varying weather conditions..... same thing.
Ian P.

By NickT on 24-10-2006 at 13:04

Hmmm.... from what I could see te biggest disks with the smallest holes were used during qualifying when the track was cooler. On a much warmer race day at the first round of pit stops these were replaced by smaller disks with medium sized holes. By the last stop the smallest disk with the biggest holes was fitted.

To me this suggests heat management vs aero performance, in qualifying maximum aero performanace while in the race, management of temperature and brake wear rates.

I still think they are illeagle though but then again its a FIA Red Rule :twisted:

By manchild on 24-10-2006 at 21:39

As disks and pads become thinner during the race they need more cooling because they reach higher temperetures. Perhaps that\'s why Ferrari replaces rings with smaller holes with rings with bigger holes as the race develops?

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