McLaren MP4-26 Mercedes

[adrianjordan]

I can't help but focus on how abruptly the bodywork on the MP4-26 ends with sudden angular edges and then exposed carbon fibre and that square hole. What effect would this arrangement have on airflow around it and wouldn't a more aerodynamic solution be preferable??

[forty-two]

Has the Left hand RW endplate delaminated in this image or something. It seems to have a bulge in it which hasn't been there before.



EDIT: That's a reflection of the hot air exit! DOH

[i70q7m7ghw]

I think people are seeing new exhaust layouts for the sake of it. It's like how last year any hole in the car was designed to feed the diffuser

This looks like the original baseline exhaust layout.

[forty-two]

I can't help but focus on how abruptly the bodywork on the MP4-26 ends with sudden angular edges and then exposed carbon fibre and that square hole. What effect would this arrangement have on airflow around it and wouldn't a more aerodynamic solution be preferable??

Two comments to that.

1. I suspect that McLaren have closed off that vent to simulate running with a smaller cooling outlet, and that if sucessful, they might run a more slender tail.

2. I would imagine that the abrupt end to the cooling outlet would create an area of low pressure air behind the outlet, which presumably would have the effect of drawing air through the square hole? (Any pointers aero guys??)

Just my tuppence.

[Lurk]

It just look like the "normal" (-> not the U-bend one) layout they already ran

BTW I like the 2nd pic.

[forty-two]

Wow, that looks like a really "basic" exhaust layout. Could this hold some magical secrets, or are McLaren simply putting everyone off for the time being, only to reveal some mysterious layout in Melbourne?

Could the "vented" RW endplates actually be something to do with the eventual exhaust layout and they're just getting a baseline from more conventional exhaust placing?

I hate to "quote" myself, but I kind of suggested that they're running a baseline exhaust to get data on their new RW on the previous page.

[myurr]

Button's put a good time in - 1:22.910, so three tenths off Webber's time. Not too shabby if they have more parts to come.

[segedunum]

The measurement of the front wing will almost certainly be to do with creating flex within it. You wouldn't put something like that on your car and put the laps in unless there was some potentially big payoff for it. When we'll see signs of it being used no one can say. I thought they might have had something implemented by now.

Not suprised to see winglets appearing around the sidepods. Getting stable airflow around there is going to be a major area of development for McLaren. However, putting winglets there will probably decrease the volume of air going through there.........

I hope McLaren don't need to call out British Gas......

[PlatinumZealot]

Not suprised to see winglets appearing around the sidepods. Getting stable airflow around there is going to be a major area of development for McLaren. However, putting winglets there will probably decrease the volume of air going through there.........

I hope McLaren don't need to call out British Gas......

The channel itself is enough to stabilise the air. As such, those winglets are basically "free downforce." I won't be surprised to see bigger winglets and maybe even more winglets in the future.

[Giblet]

Moved posts about aero testing with Mclaren to the team thread.

[marekk]

Not suprised to see winglets appearing around the sidepods. Getting stable airflow around there is going to be a major area of development for McLaren. However, putting winglets there will probably decrease the volume of air going through there.........

I hope McLaren don't need to call out British Gas......

The channel itself is enough to stabilise the air. As such, those winglets are basically "free downforce." I won't be surprised to see bigger winglets and maybe even more winglets in the future.

There's no free downforce in our universe, i'm afraid .
I think the winglets are there to direct ongoing air downwards (generating a little lift actually), maximizing flow to diff and lower wing.

[megasyxx]

Not suprised to see winglets appearing around the sidepods. Getting stable airflow around there is going to be a major area of development for McLaren. However, putting winglets there will probably decrease the volume of air going through there.........

aren't winglets banned already?

[manchild]

It's for real, not photoshopped!

[H.Lyoud]

Youre late a bit.

[delacf]

150º Italia and MP4/26



Regards,

delacf