Spolier: STUPID QUESTION

[HairyOne]

OK, Disclaimer: I am not skilled or knowledgable in any areas of aerodynamics. In any shape or form.

I play golf occasionally and the dimples in the ball reduce drag. There are many semi spherical surfaces on an F1 car, so why has no one tried dimples in the body work, or have they? No idea if it would work, but I'd be surprised if no one has contemplated it, or am I wide of the mark?

[Richard]

You're not the first to ask about that. Hopefully you'll find some insight in these posts:

http://www.f1technical.net/forum/search ... +golf+ball

[HairyOne]

Much appreciated; getting through it bit by bit.

[R_Redding]

Unfortunately though - the golf ball dimple idea is nonsense in this case.

The dimpling seen is just the normal carbon fibre cloth patternation when painted without a gelcoat being applied.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_atJwXxcrU

The above video of a glider being constructed shows the gelcoat being applied to the wing mold as the the first step at 1min25. Gelcoat has to be applied if a smooth surface is required.

In F1 they don't apply gelcoat to the engine cover (certainly Lotus and Ferrari) due to the added weight ...It would only be a couple of kgs ..but its up high affecting the COG.