Formula 1 outward curves?

[firstplace1313]

Ok I don't really know much about aerodynamics, I know what I have read online and the basic principles, but I am by no means an engineer so please don't be upset if this question appears dumb.

I can't figure out what the purpose of the outward curves is on the F1 cars. F1 seems to be the only racing league with anything like it so I am really confused.
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/u ... arison.jpg
You can see it here on both of the cars on the outward end of the nose cone, and also (harder to see) on the main body where it says "santander"

Also, what is the purpose of the upward curve on the nose cones (easier to see on the 2011 version).

Thanks for the help.

[Caito]

Hi!

They say their are not dumb question but dumbs who don't question(really bad translation, sorry)

If I'm not mistaken, what you are talking about is the bargeboards.

If you haven't seen them in other formulas, they're most probably prohibited.

Rather than repeating the wiki, i'll just post you a link:

Bargeboards

Bye!

[firstplace1313]

Ok thanks for that link.

So if I understand this right, they push the air away from the car (the air that just came over the nose/wheels) so that the wing can get clean air?

Also, why does the front nose bend up and back down toward the outter edges.

[mep]

From your description I am not sure you are really asking about the bargeboards?
It might be helpfull when you post a picture with an arrow in it pointing on the part you want to know.

[firstplace1313]

I had two questions and yes the first one was definatly the bargeboards. Thanks for the links.

[MIKEY_!]

As for the 2nd question...
The ridges along the top of the nose help to control the air flowing over the nose in corners. The bargeboards also may help to increase downforce by speeding up the air beneath the car, (Bernoulli Principle).

[gridwalker]

I'm guessing that the other question is referring to the outward sweep of the front wing end plates : F1 wings are proportionally wider than the lower formulae, with the main planes sat directly in front of the tyres. The airflow from the main plane would be destroyed by the turbulence of the tyre's downward rotation unless it was directed to one of the sides.

It is much harder to set up the flow structure so that it is directed to the inside of the tyre, which was the original path that many of the teams took in 2009 (when the current wing regs were first introduced). Thus, following the lead of Brawn GP, modern wings are set to create an "outwash" that pulls the front wing flow around the outside of the tyre.

You might find this thread useful : viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8303

[MIKEY_!]

well said