Can anyone elaborate on the purpose of the splitter on an F1 car? "Splitter" can be used to refer to many different aerodynamic components, but specifically I'm talking about the part of the undertray that extends under the cockpit forward to just below the front axle. Of course, one purpose of this device is simply to ensure that the bottom of the car is essentially flat between the front and rear axle as required by the regulations. But I'm curious how similar its function is to that of a front splitter on a sports car. Does it actually generate much downforce "by itself" at its location, or does it only serve to provide cleaner airflow to the diffuser or other aero components?
The splitter width and length are largely the end of result of the rules. However, if the rules didn't require that area be consumed, splitters would still be used in the area but they would likely be shorter and wider. There seems to be two different approaches to the aero of the splitter. And just to clarify, there are splitters for the sidepods too. Right now we'll concentrate on just the central splitter though.
Currently RB and McLaren are building shallow trays. The high walls (about 50 mm) isolate flow from the sidepod area. This design seems to be applying DF right at the splitter area, far forward in the chassis.
Brawn and Ferrari instead taper the splitter sides to encourage airflow in the sidepod floor areas, most likely to be used by the diffuser/undertray area.
Which is better? Well you can see that I picked competitive and a non competitive example of each design. A good design plays into the aero goals of the entire car.
