McLaren's plastic surgery: relocating ears

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McLaren have updated the cockpit ears by repositioning them to the height of the sidepods. It remains to be seen if this is a measure taken for Monza only or if this will be a permanent development. The winglet itself has largely retained the same shape with a rounded outer edge to decrease induced drag. To further improve on that side effect, the trailing edge of the stabiliser tips are neutral towards the airflow. In effect this winglet will do the same as in its previous location: guiding more air smoothly into the sidepod.




Comments

By DTM310 on 09-09-2007 at 17:07

Also note that the mirrors on the car have been redesigned as well. They are now positioned much lower and closer to the cockpit.

This would indicate that the winglet performs two relevant functions:

1. It smooths the air that has been disturbed by its passage past the front suspension, and directs it into the low pressure area ahead of the side pod opening.

And 2. The winglet\'s location prevents any turbulent air flow at this point from spilling over the top of the nose and colliding with the mirror thereby further reducing the drag produced by the mirror itself.


By jwielage on 10-09-2007 at 21:47

I have heard that these ears were developed to offset the ill effects (as far as air flow conditioning is concerned) of removing the upper plain from the front wing. So while they do perform all the tasks detailed above, I am guessing they are a one-off resulting from having to run the ultra low drag setup required for Monza.


By DTM310 on 11-09-2007 at 17:58

Well, I really enjoyed watching the McClaren handle around Monza, not my favorite driver, but the car was awesome to watch.

Now that\'s what I call perfect chassis set up, well balanced and absolutely planted in all corners.

There is something about great handling, 18,000 rpm and blistering speed that makes F1 an addiction. WHOOOOOO. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


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