Updates for Saudi Arabian GP:
If they want to…SmallSoldier wrote: ↑24 Mar 2022, 20:22Detail of Aston Martin’s radiators… Almost placed horizontal:
https://i.imgur.com/3BHUY3J.jpg
They could, but given Aston's aero performance over the past 2 years would you trust them to get that right either?Stu wrote: ↑03 Apr 2022, 11:03
If they want to…
It looks to be reasonably straightforward for them to move to either Ferrari/Alpine or Red Bull/Alpa Tauri out-washing side-pod solution (done right this would also stiffen the floor and get some weight out). Due to the positioning of the radiator they do not have as many restrictions on solutions as Mercedes/AMG.
Agreed. The Alfa on the same double floor idea is doing a better job — and the rear is tapering more too, which I guess points to the AMR being less well packaged? Or the Merc engine is less well packageable — which I doubt, given the lack of sidepod on the MercJPower wrote: ↑03 Apr 2022, 19:34They could, but given Aston's aero performance over the past 2 years would you trust them to get that right either?Stu wrote: ↑03 Apr 2022, 11:03
If they want to…
It looks to be reasonably straightforward for them to move to either Ferrari/Alpine or Red Bull/Alpa Tauri out-washing side-pod solution (done right this would also stiffen the floor and get some weight out). Due to the positioning of the radiator they do not have as many restrictions on solutions as Mercedes/AMG.
Alfa is using a similar concept and seems much better resolved on track.
They could go the Haas/Alpine route I agree, but the RB/AlphaTauri route surely they would need to change the slant angle of the radiator? And the Ferrari route, would they really be able to carve out the bathtubs in the sidepods? Given how the radiator is in the way? Either way they would need to repackage the rads downwards toward the rear surely.Stu wrote: ↑03 Apr 2022, 11:03If they want to…SmallSoldier wrote: ↑24 Mar 2022, 20:22Detail of Aston Martin’s radiators… Almost placed horizontal:
https://i.imgur.com/3BHUY3J.jpg
It looks to be reasonably straightforward for them to move to either Ferrari/Alpine or Red Bull/Alpa Tauri out-washing side-pod solution (done right this would also stiffen the floor and get some weight out). Due to the positioning of the radiator they do not have as many restrictions on solutions as Mercedes/AMG.
Agreed. That radiator installation must be very drag inducing. No wonder they're struggling in a straight line.
If you turn airflow then you create drag. The use of a horizontal radiator means the airflow is going through two 90 degree changes of direction and that's just not going to be as low drag as a more traditional radiator set up.Stu wrote: ↑04 Apr 2022, 10:47I agree to a certain point, but flow through the radiator is also determined by the pressure differential between the inlet plenum and exhaust ducting/vent location.
This is why the ‘cannon’-style exits became popular under the old rule-set (itself either a drag or mass increasing solution), now that louvres are back there are more options.
Slightly OT - both the Mercedes & McLaren radiator positioning also looks to be very solution limiting, but in different ways.
Not saying that they cannot be moved, but potentially a big impact of budget if major changes to chassis are required to do so; I have not seen a bare Mercedes chassis, but there is some suggestion that they are recessed into the tub sides, their radiators are mounted very low. The McLaren radiators are also fairly horizontal (and also very far forwards - in between SIS).Just_a_fan wrote: ↑04 Apr 2022, 10:52If you turn airflow then you create drag. The use of a horizontal radiator means the airflow is going through two 90 degree changes of direction and that's just not going to be as low drag as a more traditional radiator set up.Stu wrote: ↑04 Apr 2022, 10:47I agree to a certain point, but flow through the radiator is also determined by the pressure differential between the inlet plenum and exhaust ducting/vent location.
This is why the ‘cannon’-style exits became popular under the old rule-set (itself either a drag or mass increasing solution), now that louvres are back there are more options.
Slightly OT - both the Mercedes & McLaren radiator positioning also looks to be very solution limiting, but in different ways.
Radiators can be moved. I don't see why you seem to be taking aim at Merc/McLaren and suggesting they can't change things. If they feel a need, they can change them.
Conceptually, not necessarily the radiator fins have to be placed at 90° to the longitudinal axis of the radiator, nor being flat.Just_a_fan wrote: ↑04 Apr 2022, 10:52If you turn airflow then you create drag. The use of a horizontal radiator means the airflow is going through two 90 degree changes of direction and that's just not going to be as low drag as a more traditional radiator set up.Stu wrote: ↑04 Apr 2022, 10:47I agree to a certain point, but flow through the radiator is also determined by the pressure differential between the inlet plenum and exhaust ducting/vent location.
This is why the ‘cannon’-style exits became popular under the old rule-set (itself either a drag or mass increasing solution), now that louvres are back there are more options.
Slightly OT - both the Mercedes & McLaren radiator positioning also looks to be very solution limiting, but in different ways.
Radiators can be moved. I don't see why you seem to be taking aim at Merc/McLaren and suggesting they can't change things. If they feel a need, they can change them.
Again, the Alfa is using the same orientation, haven't seen anything to suggest its lacking in a straightline vs the other two Ferrari cars.Just_a_fan wrote: ↑04 Apr 2022, 10:12Agreed. That radiator installation must be very drag inducing. No wonder they're struggling in a straight line.