Mclaren MP4-30 Honda

[ArgyrisB]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9AAqrKIcAA0stI.jpg

Interesting pic. I'd like to ask what can be determined from flow-viz except where the air goes. How do they realise that the air separates ?

[frosty125]

It only indicates flow on the surface if it becomes detached instead of straight lines you will get a swirl of mess pattern.

[Xero]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9AAqrKIcAA0stI.jpg

Interesting pic. I'd like to ask what can be determined from flow-viz except where the air goes. How do they realise that the air separates ?

Yes, besides air direction they can determine separation and pressure at any vital points. Nothing more to it, simple but highly effective.

Edit: Frosty beat me to it, but they are looking for any sign of disturbed smooth lines.

[ArgyrisB]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9AAqrKIcAA0stI.jpg

Interesting pic. I'd like to ask what can be determined from flow-viz except where the air goes. How do they realise that the air separates ?

Yes, besides air direction they can determine separation and pressure at any vital points. Nothing more to it, simple but highly effective.

Pressure how? I thought they used the pitot tubes for that

[Xero]

Pressure how? I thought they used the pitot tubes for that

Differences in pressure could be given away by the thickness and disturbance of the flow vis. Low pressure points might have thicker streaks for example. It's not as accurate as the pitot tubes you mentioned, but gives them an early indication if the aero isn't behaving as it should.

[ArgyrisB]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9AAqrKIcAA0stI.jpg

comment from scarbs: floor level inside the coke sidepod junction a bit iffy

[frosty125]

Am I right to think that the main purpose of these is to compare them to the results that they obtained in the wind tunnel?

[Xero]

Am I right to think that the main purpose of these is to compare them to the results that they obtained in the wind tunnel?

Yes, that and the CFD. If they all closely match up then they have a better chance to develop the car more through the year, as results in the factory will likely mean results on track.

[Egresi Tamás]

Honda PU

[stefan_]

https://twitter.com/AlbertFabrega/statu ... 8493825024

[gandharva]

Honda PU
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9AgT_eIEAAB90v.jpg:large

That explains why they need that big air exit for the engine cover.

All in all the driveability of the ICE seems very poor at that stage of testing. Also is sliding in and out of every corner.

[Xero]

https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/562989556140871683 Loads of issues being found, which is good at this stage, fingers crossed for more mileage in the second test.

[onewingedangel]

Is that a water-air intercooler mounted above the engine?

[gandharva]

Is that a water-air intercooler mounted above the engine?

Yes. Alongside the central air outlet.

[FrukostScones]