Thread by @dr_obbs

The rumors about the @MercedesAMGF1 being updated without a side pod and comments to @ScarbsTech mad scientist Merc drawings, showed me some explanation of the aero influence side pods have is worthwhile. So let's dig more into this #F1Tech thread.

📸(Stefan Baldauf) #AMuS

For open wheel racers, one especially problematic geometric element is the front tires. A source of drag, and wake turbulence, the control of the front tire wake is essential for aero efficiency. A great study of this can be found below racecar-engineering.com/articles/wheel…

#F1Tech

There are three primary turbulent structures around a rotating wheel. From the referenced study, the influence of the front wing can not be ignored, so the results presented are generally present but can be different as teams design the front wings differently. #F1Tech

At 1 Diameter downstream, we can see the counter rotating vortex pair. We also see the tendency of the tire wake to be pulled inboard towards the floor, and venturi tunnels which is not ideal. #F1Tech

So what's new? Tire wake is not new, but how teams manage it is for 2022. In previous years teams would use a system of barge boards to straighten and deflect the incoming air conditioning it for their aero package. #F1Tech

For 2022 regulations have essentially eliminated the barge board in it's old forms because it created massive wake profiles. In an effort to clean up the wake for following cars, teams now how to decide how to manage this front tire wake. #F1Tech

(CFD credit @AeroGandalf )

Although barge boards are not present, Some teams are using bluff side pods to create outwash that helps to push this front tire wake outward. Different teams employ different methods, but the concept is similar.
📸 @SportmphMark formula1.com/en/latest/arti…

The aero tradoff can come in the form of additional form drag from the bluff side pod. However, trade-offs must be made as front tire wake not deflected can significantly increase drag on the rear tire as well. #F1Tech

Teams are also employing different designs for the outboard floor strakes to try and protect these venturi tunnels from dirty air. I see this as an area of innovation as the year goes on. #F1Tech

There are a host of other reasons mechanically and structurally for side pods, but I hope this aero influence review helps you to see what role they play as well. Further reading can be found at the references below. #F1Tech

racecar-engineering.com/articles/wheel…

f1technical.net/features/22288

For other great #F1tech follows, be sure to check out the accounts for

@NaturalParadigm
@TimoteoBriet
@AeroGandalf
@BeschadigunC
@NorthHertsSam
@SportmphMark
@FiratKeskinF1