Shakeman wrote:
I am having trouble buying the "sealing" of the diffuser with the exhaust gases so much further away. Isn't it just a case of trying to get any hot air they can under the floor by the rear wheels.
I've not seen any of these technical analysts give any indication what performance is to be gained by the limited ability left to blow the diffuser and a conventional exhaust position.
I guess what I'm ying to get an idea of is whether the teams are going to continue to develop the exhaust/diffuser or look to other areas of development as they offer greater performance steps.
Well this is exactly what they're trying to do, and at a minimum McLaren is accomplishing it.
CFD from n smikle
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12046&p=314877#p314877
Technical Analysis from Scarbs
Teams have sought to keep the exhaust floor pointed at this crucial region between the rear tyre and the diffuser. However the new exhaust rules preclude any exhaust position that would directly aim the plume to this region.
This is where the downwash sidepod design comes into the equation. Although the exhaust plume is at great speed and exits with a lot of energy, it can still be affected by the general flow over the car. As speed increases the cross flow passing over the exhaust pipe, will bend the exhaust plume into a curve.
Teams have realised that this can be used along with other aerodynamic effects to make the exhaust plume move from an upwards direction to downwards, towards the sides of the diffuser. The trick in achieving this is to create a strong downwash of airflow over the sidepod. Several teams have gone this route: McLaren, Sauber and latterly Red Bull with the new aero package released over the weekend at the final Barcelona test. Other teams like Ferrari and Mercedes use a similar effect for different reasons.
At speed the downwash (yellow) over the sidepods deflected the exhaust (red) towards the floor
At speed the downwash (yellow) over the Sauber sidepods deflected the exhaust (red) towards the floor (Click picture to enlarge)
Downwash sidepods work by the high pressure created above the chassis and sidepod fronts being directed by the sloping top surface of the sidepod towards the exhaust outlet. Directing this flow over the exhaust creates the bending effect of the exhaust plume. Then detail work with small vanes and brake duct vanes help to keep the plume pointed at the edge of the diffuser and the tyre itself.
Conclusion
As the season progresses teams will constantly play with the sidepod and exhaust shape. Many midfield teams have opted for a non-sensitive exhaust position, with plans to exploit the exhaust gasses once the effect is better understood. The downwash sidepod and exhaust is clearly a key performance differentiator between the teams this year.
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The teams are definitely trying to get the exhaust gasses to the edge of the diffuser with the intent on sealing it much like 2011. RB changing it's exhaust in Barcelona to the same type solution they have now is confirmation of just that. otherwise why move them from way inboard to as far outboard as possible? Add they have been trying different ones is more evidence.
Teams whos exhaust is working like they want, McLaren, Sauber, etc will focus on other things most likely. Whereas teams like RB & Ferrari will work on the exhaust until they get them right. The performance is obviously worth it to the teams.