An exclusive insight into the Red Bull RB14 on track in Barcelona at F1 testing
Pressure Rakes
Pressure rakes from day 2 (left) and day 4 (right) of testing
Red Bull ran with pressure rakes infront of the rear left wheel on the second and fourth day of F1 testing as shown above. During damp conditions (right) a blue film was added to each column, covering the sides of each pressure sensor. This could be to protect the sensor from potential water damage and to minimise any effect on the reliability of the readings.
Pressure rakes from day 2 (left) and day 4 (right) of testing
Note how in some areas the pressure sensors point in different directions, particularly near the underfloor. Also note how the blue film during damp conditions completely covers some of these sensors. A smaller pressure rake just behind the front wing was also tested
Red Bull also ran with a smaller pressure rake just behind the front wing. The downward angle of the individual pressure sensors suggests that the behaviour of the flow underneath the front wing is of most interest here. Note how the blue film is not used in the setup pictured above, but it is in the run below. Also note the complex mounting below, required to stabilise the front pressure rake.
The front pressure rake is hidden behind the front wing
The consequent cabling of these pressure rakes requires some innovative designs to house all the components whilst minimising any potential disruption with the airflow. Red Bull’s soluti...