Return of active suspension - 2017

[Tim.Wright]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113465

Warning - linked article may cause members to become erect...

[theloniousmonk]

Oh wow, this is actually a smart move.

I'd love a formula with extreme aero restrictions (perhaps something like venturi tunnels, and tiny wings), and just liberty on road relevant or future development. Things like VGT, CVT's, Free Valves, Active suspension, Airless tyres etc.

Other grand moves (but obviously whimsical) would be a maximum cockpit sound level, to spearhead research into lightweight sound deadening and investment into acoustics in aerodynamics (rather than downforce), with a weight penalty with each dB over a certain value.

[Pavan_MP423]

It's always intriguing to observe the role of technology marvels in F1. I mean Active suspension is close to being standardized in production cars and we know how effective they are compared to passive ones. Even though their principle remains the same i.e to vary damping co-efficient / spring stiffness, it's all about learning about how these devices are incorporated in F1. The level of change in dynamics they produce and the drivers feedback, technical challenges faced by design engineers etc.,
At least for a petrol head like me and everyone else out there who are keen on learning every bit of vehicle dynamics, technology is a prime mover for having us synced to the Motorsport

[Sulman]

I was sad to see it go, and I'm glad it might be back.

It was never a driver aid, and indeed it allowed the flat-bottomed cars of '93 to run efficiently and safely.

[WhiteBlue]

It would be a smart move IMHO. The reason it was banned in 1994 was not really clear. They moved aganst all kind of electronic gismos and the FiA had the problem of curbing performance. This problem is now gone because they can easily control the performance by adjusting the fuel allowance. It makes more sense to get an optimum suspension setup automatically than using the expensive track time for the purpose. The teams could do real development work instead. WE also would see aerodynamic efficiency increase with auto ride hight. So bring it back! I'm all for it.

[motobaleno]

anyone noticed the 18 " rims? cited in the article?

that would be a huge variation

[mkable1370]

anyone noticed the 18 " rims? cited in the article?

that would be a huge variation

I remember hearing that Michelin was pushing for 18" rims as a possible condition of their return to F1.

[Xwang]

Are they thinking about the type of active suspension we saw in 90s or something more similar to production car ones (mechanical spings + actively controlled dampers and no hydraulically powered circuit)?

[Pavan_MP423]

Are they thinking about the type of active suspension we saw in 90s or something more similar to production car ones (mechanical spings + actively controlled dampers and no hydraulically powered circuit)?

Supposedly, hydraulic actuators were used in 90s.

[Xwang]

Are they thinking about the type of active suspension we saw in 90s or something more similar to production car ones (mechanical spings + actively controlled dampers and no hydraulically powered circuit)?

Supposedly, hydraulic actuators were used in 90s.

Yes, I was asking if they are thinking of something similar to thr 90s active suspension systems (hydraulic actuators IMHO not really useful in road cars and so a typical F1 specific research project) or, instead, a system with mechanical springs and electronically controlled dampers (similar to the ones used by Ferrari, Jaguar and others road cars)?

[Sulman]

I think they'd be interested in attitude control, which I guess would mean a fully hydraulic system.

[CMSMJ1]

The current 2009-2015 regs thread has all sorts of exciting changes that were discussed ad infinitum and then never saw the light of day.


I'll believe this when I see it but totally agree it is a good idea.

[FrukostScones]

active suspension... and cars like on rails... less HP and less tyres because of fast corner speeds..? No Thanks!
I like it it right now, when we see the drivers making errors and having to correct a lot (like in this left hand turn in Bahrain)...
hopefully this proposal will die a quick death.

[Xwang]

Well I'm not against the use of electronically controlled dampers if it is not allowed to have specific setup for each curve which I suppose can be enforced via the use of the standard ECU.
The hydraulic system seams so unrelated to "production" car to appear to me not useful.

[xpensive]

The reason it was banned in 1994 was not really clear.

Let me enlighten you WB, it was part of your old favourite MrM's brainless kneejerk at anything after Senna's death.

Another xample of his restauranttable-engineering was an open scoop. Ingenious.