Bluff leading edges on wings?

[bazanaius]

hey guys, I've been wondering this for a time, hopefully someone can give an explanation.

I would have always thought that the leading egges of surfaces on F1 cars would either be rounded or sharp, depending on what was trying to be acheived. However, I've seen a number of cars with front wing endplate tips that have a definite bluff leading edge to them. By bluff I mean flat, normal to the incoming stream. see the fantastically large photo of the F1.08 here viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5425&view=unread#unread
for a good view of the front wing. I'm referring to the venturi tips on the wing endplates.

Why are these not rounded off? anyone?

B

[FW 21]

hey guys, I've been wondering this for a time, hopefully someone can give an explanation.

I would have always thought that the leading egges of surfaces on F1 cars would either be rounded or sharp, depending on what was trying to be acheived. However, I've seen a number of cars with front wing endplate tips that have a definite bluff leading edge to them. By bluff I mean flat, normal to the incoming stream. see the fantastically large photo of the F1.08 here viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5425&view=unread#unread
for a good view of the front wing. I'm referring to the venturi tips on the wing endplates.

Why are these not rounded off? anyone?

B

On the front wing in question all of the leading edges are rounded, there are no flat surfaces.

where are you looking exactly?

[FGD]

If I am correct, the endplates on the front wing are required to have a blunt leading edge. The idea is to prevent the front wing of a competitor's car from slicing into and destroying another competitor's tire.

[FW 21]

If I am correct, the endplates on the front wing are required to have a blunt leading edge. The idea is to prevent the front wing of a competitor's car from slicing into and destroying another competitor's tire.

I believe you are correct

[Gecko]

Indeed, the regulations state a minimum radius of at least 5mm for the curvature of the leading edge surfaces.

[bazanaius]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. The specific part I was referring to I've tried to identify more clearly in the photo below...



It seems very un-rounded to me. Perhaps it's just the angle of the photo?

Cheers for the rules thought - something I didn't know

B

[FGD]

I see now what you are refering to. The leading edge of this element of the front wing is distinctly squared. Also, notice how thin and razor-sharp the element just above is.

I suspect this blunt lower element is designed to create an aerodynamic stall - effectively alleviating some of the high pressure build-up beneath and around the front wheel.

[FW 21]

The leading edge referred to in the circle is rounded, the outboard edge is flat and the upper element has the required radius.

There are no flat surfaces on the leading edges of this wing.

It just appears so in the photo.

[bazanaius]

I know you're probably right, but can anyone get some other views to confirm this, so I can sleep tonight

B