carbon ring

rsfocus · Post 11 Mar 2006, 03:42

anybody know what this is all about???

Carbon · Post 11 Mar 2006, 04:42

My only guess is that it helps with aerodynamics, much like a deep section rim on a racing bicycle. Indy cars raced with a much deeper profiled rim, almost entirely enclosed in the late 80's and earlu 90's, until they were banned.

rsfocus · Post 11 Mar 2006, 04:54

i was thinking along those lines, but the indy car ones didnt allow the air in behind the ring as it was a deeper rim (as you said like a bike) when that looks like it would. so wouldnt that build up a little pressure behind the ring?

se7725 · Post 11 Mar 2006, 07:19

interesting! any idea which car is using that?

ginsu · Post 11 Mar 2006, 09:14

You would want to make the ring as absolutely light as possible. Being at that location along the rim would make the rotational inertia alot higher, so you absolutely do not want to add any significant weight out there on the rim.

manchild · Post 11 Mar 2006, 10:43

I think that it is completely illegal. Glued or not that is additional element attached to rim and it is made of CF which is also against the regulations.

Formula One cars must have four, uncovered wheels, all made of the same metallic material. Front wheels must be between 305 and 355mm wide, the rears between 365 and 380mm.

With tyres fitted the wheels must be no more than 660mm in diameter (670mm with wet-weather tyres). Measurements are taken with tyres inflated to 1.4 bar.

FIA Regulations in detail

ARTICLE 12: WHEELS AND TYRES
12.1 Location:
Wheels must be external to the bodywork in plan view, with the rear aerodynamic device removed.
12.2 Number of wheels:
The number of wheels is fixed at four.
12.3 Wheel material:
All wheels must be made from an homogeneous metallic material.
12.4 Wheel dimensions:
12.4.1 Complete wheel width must lie between 305 and 355mm when fitted to the front of the car and between 365 and 380mm when fitted to the rear.
12.4.2 Complete wheel diameter must not exceed 660mm when fitted with dry-weather tyres or 670mm when fitted with wet-weather tyres.
12.4.3 Complete wheel width and diameter will be measured horizontally at axle height, with the wheel held in a vertical position and when fitted with new tyres inflated to 1.4 bar.
12.4.4 Wheel bead diameter must lie between 328 and 332mm.

http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesan ... 4/498.html

zac510 · Post 11 Mar 2006, 11:34

I think it is there to protect the rim in transport

manchild · Post 11 Mar 2006, 12:00

Rim on pic has already mounted tyre and heater. Also, red thing between the rim and ring looks like locttite glue and if they were protecting rim than they'd protect the outer edge of the rim, not inner.

DaveKillens · Post 11 Mar 2006, 23:46

I've seen something similar on INDY/IRL oval cars. I believe it's to manage the airflow at high speeds. A lip like that would keep turbulent air from easily flowing into or out of the rim area.

King of Spades · Post 13 Mar 2006, 03:16

This may be a little far-fetched, but could it be for cooling purposes - to trap more [turbulent] air nearer the brake ducts?

rsfocus · Post 15 Mar 2006, 02:38

i was thinking it is off the ferrari, now reading another topic on the ferrari rear wing flexing it seems this rim is off it. very suss though

joseff · Post 15 Mar 2006, 04:55

Well if it's illegal then they could simply fabricate the ring out of the same magnesium alloy as the wheels. This would be legal, yes?

rsfocus · Post 15 Mar 2006, 06:00

if part of the original casting for the rim i think so

zac510 · Post 15 Mar 2006, 11:21

Did Ferrari race or qualify with these? I didn't notice them in the race.

bhall · Post 15 Mar 2006, 11:45

They raced with them. Looks like they were only on the rear wheels.

If the carbon turns out to be illegal, it wouldn't surprise me if BBS simply added the structure to the overall wheel design. Then every other team will do the same if it's worth it.