Technical/aerodynamic questions

[amanichen]

1. I've noticed that various air inlets on the nose have been tweaked, added and removed over various versions of the F1. Were these various redesigns in the interest of specific situations, or were they different possible solutions to chronic problems with airflow?

2. Some 97 GTRs have small nose-fins, and rear spoiler with vertical ends. Other 97 GTRs lack these fins and vertical supports. Was the former an evolution of the latter?

3. Seeing LMs are similar to 95 GTRs, were they originally intended to be fitted with rollcages?

4. What's the aerodynamic effect of opening the sliding portions of the windows on the road car, say at 200mph? If it's even allowed.

5. Did the redesign of the air intake on the GTRs (small 95, medium 96, very large 97) yield any power increases at high speed?

[Peloton25]

Originally Posted by amanichen

1. I've noticed that various air inlets on the nose have been tweaked, added and removed over various versions of the F1. Were these various redesigns in the interest of specific situations, or were they different possible solutions to chronic problems with airflow?

More than likely these were evolutionary changes. I believe that center vent is actually tasked with airflow into the GTR cockpit, and has no other functions.

2. Some 97 GTRs have small nose-fins, and rear spoiler with vertical ends. Other 97 GTRs lack these fins and vertical supports. Was the former an evolution of the latter?

Remember that while McLaren offered update kits, that each GTR was privately owned and some teams may have found their own solutions for add-on aero devices.

3. Seeing LMs are similar to 95 GTRs, were they originally intended to be fitted with rollcages?

I would say no - neither the prototype 'XP1 LM' nor any of the customer LMs we have seen had the GTRs roll cage fitted. The LMs were always intended to be road cars. The rollcage wasn't really even necessary in the GTRs given the strength of the monocoque - it was added only to conform to the sanctioning body's requirements for safety.

4. What's the aerodynamic effect of opening the sliding portions of the windows on the road car, say at 200mph? If it's even allowed.

I think that I recall reading the side windows can't be opened at high speeds, and they might even close automatically if open already. I could be talking out my rear on that though - I've read so much stuff on the cars that at times it can be hard to keep everything straight.

5. Did the redesign of the air intake on the GTRs (small 95, medium 96, very large 97) yield any power increases at high speed?

I don't believe the inlet actually changed in size - remember there were restrictors working down stream that would control how much air actually reached the engine.

My

>8^)
ER

[///M-power]

[quote=amanichen]
2. Some 97 GTRs have small nose-fins, and rear spoiler with vertical ends. Other 97 GTRs lack these fins and vertical supports. Was the former an evolution of the latter?
QUOTE]

Are u talking about the vents between the spoiler and the engine cover?
seen here

[Peloton25]

Originally Posted by ///M-power

Are u talking about the vents between the spoiler and the engine cover?

No - I believe he's referring to these:



As well as the rather large wing end-plate on the rear wing which is also seen on this car:



Different race series may also have had differing regulations in regards to the size of these items as well as the ability to include them. I'm not expert on the various rules, so I'll defer to anyone else who might know them better.

>8^)
ER

[amanichen]

Originally Posted by Peloton25

I don't believe the inlet actually changed in size - remember there were restrictors working down stream that would control how much air actually reached the engine.

Well I was referring to more of the position of the inlet relative to the airflow. The road car inlet is at a very shallow angle, and appears to dip slightly below the level of the roof. The 96 GTR added a cover over it, to direct air differently, and the 97 GTR moved the actual orifice upward, and forward of the road car's intake. I'd think that since the intake of the 97 GTR is better located relative to the airflow taht there might be some sort of power increase. The 97 inlet looks like it would receive more fast-moving air coming off the windshield.

I was just wondering if this was done to increase power, regardless of any restrictors required by racing rules.

Thanks for the other ones =)