Red Bull RB8 Renault

[beelsebob]

I think you're on to something here. Heat resistant material cladding the suspension is non-structural. Also, does it not mean that the suspension arm contravenes the rules because it is bodywork in the disallowed cone behind the exhaust?

All entirely sprung parts of the car in contact with the external air stream, except cameras, camera housings and the parts definitely associated with the mechanical functioning of the engine, transmission and running gear. Airboxes, radiators and engine exhausts are considered to be part of the bodywork.

Suspension isn't bodywork.

[strad]

Those stripes are heat sensitive paint and yes there is also some flo-viz scattered about as well...the stripes are to see how hot that area is getting. Changes color with different temps. imo

[motobaleno]

How do they deflect it all the way down with one suspension arm?!

I guess that the deflection effect could be no more than partial but maybe enough to improve performance...

That suspension arm wont be deflecting downwards but instead pulling the airflow up



like this



Regarding if its bonded to the suspension arm, i think you'll find if it is, it would be hard to prove it isnt structural

Actually your argument seems strong but I thought that, according to the new regulations, it will be easy to blow gas upper: just pointing exhaust exit up! the problem is to blow gas lower isn't it right?

[RB7ate9]

Perhaps the suspension arm that does work will be the rear ones?

Based on the photo of the exhaust, it seems like the volume of air coming down from the side pods and engine cover would help to push the exhaust plume downwards at higher speed towards the rear upper suspension arm. It could then be that the rear upper arm helps to direct the exhaust the diffuser or to the underside of the beam wing more directly, though the usefulness of directing high energy air to the topside of the diffuser is not as apparent to me as perhaps some other folks on the forum.

Taking into account Robbobnob's drawing, it could be that the rear suspension arm is attempting to direct as much air to the beam wing as possible.

edit: Redacted statement about rear-upper suspension arm being lower than the forward arm, it appears to be a trick of perspective.

[thestig84]

Those stripes are heat sensitive paint and yes there is also some flo-viz scattered about as well...the stripes are to see how hot that area is getting. Changes color with different temps. imo

Im afraid I agree with Crucial_Xtreme. They look like clamps to me.

[Gridlock]

They're metal cable ties, looks like.

[bonjon1979]

I think you're on to something here. Heat resistant material cladding the suspension is non-structural. Also, does it not mean that the suspension arm contravenes the rules because it is bodywork in the disallowed cone behind the exhaust?

All entirely sprung parts of the car in contact with the external air stream, except cameras, camera housings and the parts definitely associated with the mechanical functioning of the engine, transmission and running gear. Airboxes, radiators and engine exhausts are considered to be part of the bodywork.

Suspension isn't bodywork.

Look at this article that was quoted earlier:


10.3.4 Non‐structural parts of suspension members are considered bodywork.

Heat shielding is non-structural.

[Gridlock]

10.3.4 Non‐structural parts of suspension members are considered bodywork.

Heat shielding is non-structural.

"can be", not "is".

[Robbobnob]

That regulation was to stop wings mounted to the unsprung parts of the cars.

Also each wishbone member also has a wheel tether, which is attached to the wishbone with a nonstructural shroud for aero purposes. tTherefore Red Bull can easily argue that the heat shielding is primarily for safety, and if they are told to remove it they then could argue that every other team is in violation of the regulations for having a nonstructural bodywork on their suspension and therefore moveable aero

[MIKEY_!]

Mikey the scale involved for a wind tunnel big enough to house a font wing (2 meters diameter atleast) capable of 300 kph+ certainly wouldn't be portable.

University of Florida has this hurricane simulator. It manages 200 kph+ over this rather large area - and - it goes on a trailer! Bolt a venturi on the end of that and I think the right speed can be achieved.

The rigid core idea only fixes some of the problem (not flexy noses or pylons) and the flaps can still flex down to reduce drag.

The parts under the wing will seal it to some extent which could increase DF if they aren't tall enough, otherwise a good option (and lots easier).

[Hail22]

Mikey the scale involved for a wind tunnel big enough to house a font wing (2 meters diameter atleast) capable of 300 kph+ certainly wouldn't be portable.

University of Florida has this hurricane simulator. It manages 200 kph+ over this rather large area - and - it goes on a trailer! Bolt a venturi on the end of that and I think the right speed can be achieved.

The rigid core idea only fixes some of the problem (not flexy noses or pylons) and the flaps can still flex down to reduce drag.

The parts under the wing will seal it to some extent which could increase DF if they aren't tall enough, otherwise a good option (and lots easier).

I....Want....one of these...

[timbo]

I....Want....one of these...

Troublesome neighbors?

[bhall]

I....Want....one of these...

Troublesome neighbors?

Either that or pesky birds. That will keep a car free of bird poop (and possible inverted).


I think the heat shields on the RB8 are easily non-structural, else they wouldn't be held on by hose clamps. However, I doubt they'll be fastened in such a way once the season starts.

Even though I really want the heat shielding to be considered bodywork and thus moveable aero, everyone on that team is too smart to leave any doubts by just lazily strapping on a heat shield when it counts.

[Hail22]

I....Want....one of these...

Troublesome neighbors?

Either that or pesky birds. That will keep a car free of bird poop (and possible inverted).


I think the heat shields on the RB8 are easily non-structural, else they wouldn't be held on by hose clamps. However, I doubt they'll be fastened in such a way once the season starts.

Even though I really want the heat shielding to be considered bodywork and thus moveable aero, everyone on that team is too smart to leave any doubts by just lazily strapping on a heat shield when it counts.

*slips cheque to the FIA*

Billion dollar drinks company strikes again! but no i would want one to test the aero effeciency/deficiency xD

Also want to build a single seater some day ^^

[ledzep4pm]

I....Want....one of these...

Troublesome neighbors?

Either that or pesky birds. That will keep a car free of bird poop (and possible inverted).


I think the heat shields on the RB8 are easily non-structural, else they wouldn't be held on by hose clamps. However, I doubt they'll be fastened in such a way once the season starts.

Even though I really want the heat shielding to be considered bodywork and thus moveable aero, everyone on that team is too smart to leave any doubts by just lazily strapping on a heat shield when it counts.

Maybe they just strap them on during testing so they can quickly change the shape/ level of heat shielding. They can then quickly optimise the part for weight (and the way it controls the plume. Once they are happy just manufacture the wishbone with the shielding included so it is then classed as structural.