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Formula One adjustable wings

Formula One adjustable wings

Formula One adjustable wings

(OP)
Hi,
I am wondering how the F1 race cars adjust their wings? Do they use hydraulics or servo activators? Or is it just a mechanical solution what I cannot imagine since the forces on these wings would be to strong for a solely mechanical solution.
Thanks
KR
Hannes

RE: Formula One adjustable wings

i think they have mechanical adjustors (screw-threads) that are adjusted in the pits.

RE: Formula One adjustable wings

So why can't they change their suspension - loose or tight??

RE: Formula One adjustable wings

I saw an article which suggested several teams were using neodymium stepper motors, but it did not cite a source.  It sounds reasonable since there has to be an electronic logic system which allows the ECU to limit the driver to two adjustments per lap.

As for adjustable suspension components, the only adjustment which is allowed is the steering of two wheels.

RE: Formula One adjustable wings

I'd go for the stepper motors sugested above, but I'm guessing.

One of the cars recently had it's nose cone replaced after an accident and the TV commentator mentioned that they have to align the connectors. That sounds electrical to me.
 

RE: Formula One adjustable wings

(OP)
Thanks for your inputs!
@ENS2K: could you please post a link to the article? Thanks

KR
Hannes

RE: Formula One adjustable wings

Quote:

Ferrari and Honda use hydraulics, I think.

I believe Barichello's Brawn GP (ex Honda) damaged his nose cone in the Australian GP and had it replaced. I don't recall any mention of leaks or spills on the track or in the pits.

I know that leak-proof clip on fittings are possible, for example that was the whole business of Oystertec PLC, but it still doesn't sound right to me that hydraulic fluids would be circulating inside the nose cone.

But we need someone who knows. I'm just guessing.
 

RE: Formula One adjustable wings

The chief engineer on the Brawn GP team demonstrated the use of the adjustable blade during the "Inside F1" show this past weekend.  The action suggested that it was a stepper motor and it appeared to have only two positions - up or down.  He indicated that there was a switch on the upper right of the back side of the steering wheel to activate it, but said he didn't want to show the back side of the wheel on TV.


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