Ashwinv16 wrote: ↑25 Jul 2019, 19:05
godlameroso wrote: ↑25 Jul 2019, 18:35
I think after 2 years of harping on about it, the chicken wing device on the bargeboard seems to be the way to go. Every team is headed in that direction or pushing it further.
It simply act as a guide to the disrupted flow coming from the front tyre wake, and the vortex from the front wing tips (Which itself is guided by the turning vanes and the cape under the nosecone). This part helps to smooth the flow out thus the sidepod turning vane can better guide them around the side pods for flow attachments purposes(Reducing drag and aero instability). At the same time they guide the flow onto the floor and to the new longitudinal slot openings that basically allows for the air to flow under the outer edge of the floor creating a virtual curtain that seals the gap between the leading edges of the floor and the ground so that the air flowing under the floor does not escape through the side thus helping improve the efficiency of the diffuser as well.
Thus of course all teams need to explore this device as it has huge benefits considering the only problem being rigidity, drag and weight.
It also has the added benefit of being very close to the ground, and a high rake concept will move this device further away from the ground. Thus finding the right pitch for the device has a huge influence on the rest of the car aero. Seeing as how that's partially determined by the tub, I could see why chassis modifications would be needed to get the most out of it.
I think you make an excellent point regarding not only the geometry but the physical properties of the "chicken wing". As I stated it's very close to the ground and controlled deformation could change it's aero properties at different speeds. At the same time one has to be careful to not make them too flimsy or they could stall or worse break off.