McLaren F1 Vehicle Dynamics

[DataHunter]

As many of you know, the McLaren F1 was tested on Anthony Best Vehicle Dynamics' K&C rig. Only the bounce frequencies of the front and rear were reported, however; I'm wondering if anyone here knows the wheel rates, damping factors, roll stiffness and center of mass height for the F1. Any information would be immensely helpful.

[Peloton25]

On a hunch, are you a game developer?

If so, and if you have license from McLaren to include the F1, then can't they supply you with this level of detail directly?

Trying to think of where any of that might exist in reference material I would have, and unfortunately I'm doubtful it's been published.

>8^)
ER

[DataHunter]

I'm not a gave developer, no. I'm an engineering student. I'm trying to develop a model for pitch, roll, yaw etc. for the McLaren F1

[Peloton25]

Gotcha - I'm thinking if anyone here could assist it would be Le Man or M.S.O if they are able.

McLaren may consider some of that data sensitive or proprietary - hard to be sure.

>8^)
ER

[DataHunter]

Let's hope they notice this thread and offer their assistance. Unless I could try contacting them somehow.

[Peloton25]

The forum has a Private Message feature - you could try that approach and point them here to the thread.

>8^)
ER

[DataHunter]

Alrighty, I'll give that a shot.

[Le Man]

Originally Posted by Peloton25

Gotcha - I'm thinking if anyone here could assist it would be Le Man or M.S.O if they are able.

McLaren may consider some of that data sensitive or proprietary - hard to be sure.

>8^)
ER

You need a copy of the IMechE paper by Steve Randle, the vehicle dynamics engineer for the F1.

Concept and design of the McLaren F1 suspension systems
IMechE paper C466/007/93

This paper is very indepth on the subject of the F1,s vehicle dynamics and will certainly help you with your studies.

If you have a problem obtaining a copy, give me a PM with your email address and I shall send you the info.

[Peloton25]

Sounds like I need a copy too - I wasn't aware of this or missed it if you shared it previously Le Man. Off to look...

>8^)
ER

[Le Man]

Originally Posted by Peloton25

Sounds like I need a copy too - I wasn't aware of this or missed it if you shared it previously Le Man. Off to look...

>8^)
ER

Yes, you have a copy, long time ago.

[webslinger283]

One cool place that i found some hidden information is contained in Driving Ambition, page 127. It is some hand written notes from Gordon Murray pertaining to targets for the vehicle. It had a target of:
wheel travel = +80 -90 F&R
Ride Frequency = 80/92 cpm
Roll Axis Centroid = roll center 60 mm a. ground @ F. 90 mm R.
Anti-Roll Bars= Front only
Roll Stiffness = 3 degrees per g lat
Anti-Dive = Yes (40-50%) investigate farb
Anti-Squat = ?
Damping = aluminum shocks[?] - ride ht adj?
velocity ratios = as near 1:1 as poss. (same F&R) + rising rate
Camber Change = 75% of body roll = 4.4 degrees for 80 mm travel
Wheel size = 18" dia x 8.5" F x 11.5" r
Tyre size = 245x40x18
Wheel base = 104" (2640)
Track = 1800 over tyres F&R [corrected to 1554]
Front Offset and Trail = Offset 14 mm @ gr, trail 30 mm
KPI = 10 degrees [corrected to 9 degrees]
Castor = 4 degrees
Static Camber = -45' F&R
Toe In = 3mm neg. F O F
Bump Steer = None
Center of pressure = 57% of wheel base
CD = .330
CL Front and Rear = .150 F .150 R (stable in yaw)
[something off the page] torsional stiffness = 10,000 ft lb/degree axle to axle min
Steering Wheel Diam = 13" dia
Unsprung Weight = 37 kg F 49 R
Frontal Area = 1.62 m^2
CDA = .535
Ground Clearance = 120mm
Ackermann Characteristics = 0-5 degrees / 0% 5-10 degrees / 35% 10-20 degrees / 80% -> 100% From [?] 25 degrees

I know some of that is contradictory to some other sources, like "Mclaren's Road Car an Autocar & Motor Book" claims the KPI is 8 degrees not 9, and the castor angle at 4.6 in lieu of 4. It also states that the ground level offset (the distance between the centre-line of the type and where the steering axis meets the ground) is 25 mm.

Unfortunately that is about all I can contribute at this time....hope it helps some.

Le Man I would be interested in that paper if you are willing to share. The engineering feat that is the McLaren F1 never ceases to amaze me.

[DataHunter]

Excellent! I PM'd Le Man for the paper. Hopefully he can send me a pdf or the images.

[mcgtr1995]

Originally Posted by Le Man

You need a copy of the IMechE paper by Steve Randle, the vehicle dynamics engineer for the F1.

Concept and design of the McLaren F1 suspension systems
IMechE paper C466/007/93

This paper is very indepth on the subject of the F1,s vehicle dynamics and will certainly help you with your studies.

If you have a problem obtaining a copy, give me a PM with your email address and I shall send you the info.

Hey Le Man do you know the lift coefficient,rear wing dimensions(height and wingspan) for the Mclaren F1 LM.I need it to verify the info given in CAR Magazine that is it can run upside down at 100mph.

Thank You

[rusty_99]

Originally Posted by mcgtr1995

Hey Le Man do you know the lift coefficient,rear wing dimensions(height and wingspan) for the Mclaren F1 LM.I need it to verify the info given in CAR Magazine that is it can run upside down at 100mph.

Thank You

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I don't think there's a road car that generates enough downforce to overcome its own weight. I've only heard of that anecdote about Formula 1 cars. If I'm wrong I'd love to hear otherwise.

[Peloton25]

Even an extremely aggressive aero package would struggle to produce anything close to 2,000 lbs of downforce at 100mph. Doubling that speed would change the story.

>8^)
ER