F1 Aerodynamic Cooling
The instantaneous gas temperature at the point of combustion in a modern Formula 1 engine can reach up to 2,600°C, which is half as hot as the surface of the sun. Add to that the temperature of components such as the Energy Store and the Turbocharger and you begin to realise just how much internal temperature an F1 car can generate. As motorsport continues to downsize its engines and increase the efficiencies of the hybrid powertrain, these temperatures will continue to rise and consequently so will the demand for effective cooling systems.
There are a variety of inlet and duct designs on the noses of this year’s F1 cars, some of which could be used for cooling purposes
As well as innovative radiator designs, new materials and pioneering coolant chemistries, Aerodynamic cooling can play an important role in maintaining the temperatures of a racecar to a more sustainable level. Aerodynamic elements, vents and louvres can help guide the oncoming cool airflow and route it round high temperature components, where the heat is transferred to the air, and then taken away. Could this be a sign that the internals of the Ferrari sidepod are too tightly packaged"
This year, for optimal performance, the teams arrived at the Australian Grand Prix with radical sidepod concepts with crazy packaging solutions. The internal layouts of these sidepods are so tight and on the limit, that there has even been some evidence of burn marks on the outside of the bo...