Phys F1

Phys F1

  • Submitted By: YetiMusic
  • Date Submitted: 09/30/2013 11:12 PM
  • Category: Technology
  • Words: 280
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 91

Physics plays a great deal in the design and technique of driving a racing car.
The most important aspect of F1 car design is the Aerodynamics (the way air flows around the moving car). Aerodynamics defines the shape of the car and also the positioning of all the items within it, such as the engine, gearbox and the driver. By controlling the airflow over the car, it maximises the downforce (force applied in a downwards direction as the car moves forwards). A race car traveling at 200 mph can generate downforce that is approximately twice its own weight. Downforce is generated in three specific areas of the car front wing, chassis, and rear wing. The front wing is the first part of the car that comes into contact with air mass. It affects the airflow down the full length of the car and tiny changes can have huge effects on the overall performance. Front wing is designed to produce downforce and guide the air as it moves toward the body and rear of the car. The chassis is designed to produce maximum downforce, while at the same time minimizing drag (resistance force as a car moves forwards). Downforce produced allows maximum speed through the corners. To accomplish this, the top of the car is designed to slice through the air to ensure the smoothest exit for the air. The rear wing helps glue the rear wheels to the track and is configured based on type of circuit the race is on. It's objective is to achieve the best downforce and less drag. In conclusion, the more downforce the car generates and the faster it will be with minimum drag.

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