Surface cooling in F1.
Discussion
Just a random Monday thought after a weekend of Le Mans viewing.
Many years ago the WM Peugeot team succeeded in their goal of sending their car down the Mulsanne at 400 kph. They only managed it by going for the lowest downforce spec with narrow tyres and all the radiator/cooling ducts taped over.
So radiators are a bit of a nuisance, stick out into the airstream, increase drag and upset the aero package. Many years ago before WM at Le Mans Gordon Murray designed the F1 Brabham BT46 with surface cooling, no rads, just a car covered in what looked like solar panels - although working in reverse.
It was a failure - the cooling was ineffective. Could it work in the 21st century - or do FIA regs disallow it ??
Many years ago the WM Peugeot team succeeded in their goal of sending their car down the Mulsanne at 400 kph. They only managed it by going for the lowest downforce spec with narrow tyres and all the radiator/cooling ducts taped over.
So radiators are a bit of a nuisance, stick out into the airstream, increase drag and upset the aero package. Many years ago before WM at Le Mans Gordon Murray designed the F1 Brabham BT46 with surface cooling, no rads, just a car covered in what looked like solar panels - although working in reverse.
It was a failure - the cooling was ineffective. Could it work in the 21st century - or do FIA regs disallow it ??
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