F1 aero 1

[49078]

I have a question regarding the aerodynamics of an F1 car.

Over the past few years one of the more popular debates is what is better, a single or twin keel. What is the keel on an F1 car?

I believe the twin keel is supposed to be stiffer but heavier, but I cannot tell by looking at a car if it single or twin keel, I'm not sure what to look for, can anyone help me?

Thank you

 

[GregLocock]

The keel is a downward spine running rearward from the front of the car, starting somehwat forward of the front wheel. A double keel car has one on each side, providing an abutment for the lower suspension arm, and possibly improving the airflow under the car. A single keel car has one central keel, providing abutments for both lower arm, which will help mess up the airflow, in theory.

In practice the single keel seems to work fine.





Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[rb1957]

as you've described it greg, would a double keel be stiffer in torsion (taking the front wheel loads in differential bending) ?

 

[GregLocock]

Yes, it will help somewhat, given the realities of the internal structure. But bear in mind that most of the torsional stiffness will be down to the main tube, these keels are more like thick ribs than anything else.

But, the advantage of only needing one cantilever far outweigh that, due to the cube law on section depth (guessing they are designed for stiffness).

http://www.sportnetwork.net/boards/read/s85.php?f=85&i=68327&t=68327

2/3 of the way down the page for some useful photos.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[49078]

Thank you Greg,

That answered me question nicely, I had no idea what to look for.

 

[pong1]

http://www.thescuderia.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13107