RE: Ariel's 'fan car' explained
Discussion
Gary C said:
Actually looking at that picture, it does make you wonder how it had any effect !
From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
sooo... the fans are in the diffuser ?From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
Edited by Gary C on Wednesday 21st September 10:08
i cant find any images of them. my google-fu is failing me
SystemParanoia said:
Gary C said:
Actually looking at that picture, it does make you wonder how it had any effect !
From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
sooo... the fans are in the diffuser ?From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
i cant find any images of them. my google-fu is failing me
ks. IIRC the fan was banned as a "moving aerodynamic device", which'd apply here, rather than because of ground effect - which (albeit sans fan) went on for years in F1 through the skirts.TooMany2cvs said:
SystemParanoia said:
Gary C said:
Actually looking at that picture, it does make you wonder how it had any effect !
From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
sooo... the fans are in the diffuser ?From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
i cant find any images of them. my google-fu is failing me
ks. IIRC the fan was banned as a "moving aerodynamic device", which'd apply here, rather than because of ground effect - which (albeit sans fan) went on for years in F1 through the skirts.SystemParanoia said:
TooMany2cvs said:
SystemParanoia said:
Gary C said:
Actually looking at that picture, it does make you wonder how it had any effect !
From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
sooo... the fans are in the diffuser ?From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
i cant find any images of them. my google-fu is failing me
ks. IIRC the fan was banned as a "moving aerodynamic device", which'd apply here, rather than because of ground effect - which (albeit sans fan) went on for years in F1 through the skirts.TooMany2cvs said:
SystemParanoia said:
TooMany2cvs said:
SystemParanoia said:
Gary C said:
Actually looking at that picture, it does make you wonder how it had any effect !
From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
sooo... the fans are in the diffuser ?From the McLaren press release 28 May 1992
GROUND EFFECT
BY DIRECTING AIRFLOW BENEATH THE WORKINGUNDERFLOOR, AIRSTREAM IS HARNESSED TO GENERATEPOWERFUL, STABILISING DOWNFORCE
The McLaren F1 is the world’s first production car to feature full ground-effect aerodynamics with fan assistance. ? By careful management of airflow between the McLaren F1’s underfloor and the moving road surface beneath, powerful aerodynamic forces can be harnessed – as in Formula 1 – for the driver’s benefit. ? Management of this airflow regime has come to be known as a ‘ground-effect’ aerodynamic system. ? Airflow beneath the car is compressed against the underlying roadway and then released through an expanding-section exit channel at the car’s tail – the curving underfloor surface of which is known as the ‘diffuser’. As airflow velocity has been accelerated through this underfloor ‘venturi’ system, so the pressure within it falls, and this low pressure area may then be harnessed as ‘downforce’ to suck the moving car bodily down against the roadway. ? In 1978 Gordon Murray stunned the Formula 1 racing world by creating the Swedish Grand Prix-winning Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’ driven by Niki Lauda, which generated massive aerodynamic downforce in part by fan assistance. Formula 1 rules were quickly altered to dismiss such devices! ? Now, with the McLaren F1 project governed only by comparatively liberal international road-car regulations, that ‘Fan Car’ theme is to some extent being re-introduced. ? A complex three-part rear diffuser beneath the F1’s tail incorporates a central single surface and two reflex shapes each side generate sufficient downforce to overcome the car’s natural aerodynamic lift. ? Simultaneously, two powerful electric fans remove boundary layer air from the rolled S-wave of ‘reflex’ diffuser sections, helping to control movement of the Centre of Pressure – the truly significant aerodynamic factor affecting vehicle stability and handling.
i cant find any images of them. my google-fu is failing me
ks. IIRC the fan was banned as a "moving aerodynamic device", which'd apply here, rather than because of ground effect - which (albeit sans fan) went on for years in F1 through the skirts.im just sitting here annoyed i didn't know about this!! it was never in the poster I had on my wall or in anything i ever read about it as a child... so now frantically trying to read up on something i thought i already knew all about !
SPMX5 said:
how powerful do the fans need to be? it's not like a propeller driving the car downwards, it's just creating a difference in pressure in the skirted area, so might not be lifting huge chunks of rock and debris as people seem to fear?
Its all about the rated CFM @ x rpm value of the fansthe smaller they are, the faster they have to spin
SPMX5 said:
how powerful do the fans need to be? it's not like a propeller driving the car downwards, it's just creating a difference in pressure in the skirted area, so might not be lifting huge chunks of rock and debris as people seem to fear?
Even on a super smooth race track the skirts will be pretty leaky. The Chaparral 2J had a 55hp motor dedicated to driving the fans. 
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