Podcast: Missed Apex
Published Date:
Sun, 05 Feb 2023 19:16:42 GMT
Duration:
1:26:55
Explicit:
False
Guests:
Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.
Trumpets flies the shed solo as he is joined by Matthew Somerfield, technical editor at Motorsport.Com for some pre-season tech and then engineer extraordinaire Kyle ‘Edgy’ Power hops on for some more forbidden F1 fruit. From sidepod silhouettes to storied suspensions, from ride height wrangling to new rules roundup, no decimal point gets dropped in this, the latest episode of Missed Apex Podcast.
Please consider supporting us on patreon. We exist only because of our patron support:
Missed Apex F1 is creating Podcasts
Or use our Tip Jar to support our 2023 advertising campaign and help us grow the podcast
Send us your mailbag questions at [email protected]
Spanners Ready Spanners���� (@SpannersReady)
Matt Trumpets mattpt55 (@mattpt55)
Matt Trumpets (@[email protected])
Matthew Somerfield: https://twitter.com/SomersF1
Tech Time with Matthew Somerfield | Missed Apex Podcast
Matt Somerfield | Motorsport.com Author
Kyle Power Kyle Power (@KylePowerF1) / Twitter
Williams active suspension video 1993 - YouTube
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
**Transcript:**
- **Host:** Matt Trumpets
- **Guests:** Matthew Somerfield (Technical Editor at Motorsport.com) and Kyle Power (Engineer)
**Key Points:**
* **Side Pods:**
* Ferrari and Haas have in-wash side pod concepts, while Red Bull, Alpha Tauri, Alpine, Williams, and Aston Martin have downwash concepts.
* The main difference is that in-wash concepts create downwash towards the rear of the floor, while downwash concepts create downwash to the rear of the side pod.
* This difference is mainly due to the shape of the side pod profile.
* Other teams are likely to gravitate towards the Red Bull concept because it is a bit more benign from an aerodynamic perspective.
* **Mercedes Concept:**
* Mercedes' side pod concept is very different from the other teams, with a large expanse of unprotected floor.
* Mercedes tried to continue down the route they used in the previous regulation set, but the other teams moved in a different direction.
* Mercedes' problems were not related to the design of the side pods but to an exterior force involving the floor.
* Mercedes may have found things that other teams will stumble across and cannot fix as quickly.
* **Updates:**
* In the first season of the new regulations, there were two schools of thought on updates: big packages a few times a season or smaller updates more regularly.
* Alpine had the right approach by bringing little but often, as it allowed them to optimize on a smaller basis and bring updates that had more meaning at certain types of tracks.
* As teams mature in their understanding of the regulations and work their way through the cost cap, we will start to see trade-offs in terms of updates.
* **New Rules:**
* The raising of the floor edge and diffuser throat, and the restrictions on the plank, were not as big a deal as many thought.
* The teams will find a way to make it work and will still be looking at a similar sort of performance as to what we had last year.
* The new rules will likely hurt the midfield and back-end runners more than the top teams, but they have more resources to overcome the problems.
* The FIA has done something interesting to help the drivers in wheel-to-wheel battles this season by increasing the size of the wing mirrors.
* Pirelli is also bringing new tires for this year that should produce less understeer.
* Hopefully, we can have a period of calm where we don't change too much, which should also help to keep the teams closing in on one another.
* **Power Unit Regulations:**
* The FIA might consider a similar scale for power unit manufacturers when we move on to the next set of power unit regulations, given the success of the scale on the aerodynamic side. **Summary of the Missed Apex Podcast Episode: Forbidden F1 Fruit - Active Suspension**
* **Introduction:**
* The podcast episode features Matt Trumpets, Matthew Somerfield (technical editor at Motorsport.com), and Kyle Power (engineer) discussing the history and technical aspects of active suspension in Formula One.
* **Historical Context:**
* Active suspension was first introduced in Formula One by Lotus in the early 1980s, driven by the need to address porpoising and bouncing issues caused by the massive aerodynamic forces generated by ground effect cars.
* Lotus collaborated with various partners, including General Motors, to develop and refine the technology.
* **Technical Details:**
* Active suspension systems utilized sensors to monitor the car's ride height and adjust the suspension accordingly, providing improved stability and handling.
* The Lotus system, known as the Type 88, employed hydraulic actuators to control the suspension, allowing for precise adjustments in real time.
* **Advantages and Disadvantages:**
* Active suspension offered significant advantages in terms of optimizing aerodynamic performance and improving tire grip, resulting in faster lap times.
* However, the technology was complex and expensive, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise to operate and maintain.
* **Lotus's Dominance:**
* Lotus's active suspension system proved to be highly effective, giving the team a significant advantage over its rivals.
* Drivers such as Nigel Mansell and Elio de Angelis achieved notable successes with the Lotus cars, securing race wins and podium finishes.
* **Banning Active Suspension:**
* Concerns about the escalating costs and the potential safety implications of active suspension led to its ban by the FIA in 1994.
* The ban aimed to level the playing field and prevent a single team from dominating the sport due to superior technology.
* **Legacy and Impact:**
* Active suspension remains a topic of fascination and debate among Formula One enthusiasts, with some advocating for its return due to its potential performance benefits.
* The technology has influenced the development of modern Formula One cars, with teams continuously seeking innovative solutions to optimize aerodynamic performance and handling.
* **Current Developments:**
* There have been discussions within Formula One circles about potentially reintroducing active suspension in the future.
* However, the FIA remains cautious about the potential costs and safety implications, and any such move would require careful consideration and consensus among the teams.
**Conclusion:**
Active suspension represents a significant chapter in Formula One history, showcasing the sport's relentless pursuit of technological innovation. While its use was ultimately banned due to concerns about costs and safety, the legacy of active suspension continues to inspire engineers and designers seeking to push the boundaries of Formula One performance. ## Active Suspension in Formula One: A Technological Journey
### Introduction:
The podcast episode delves into the fascinating history of active suspension systems in Formula One, shedding light on their evolution, controversies, and impact on the sport. The discussion centers around three key eras: the early attempts by Lotus in the 1980s, Williams' innovative approach in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the re-emergence of active suspension systems in the modern era.
### Lotus: Pioneering Active Suspension:
In the early 1980s, Team Lotus, led by visionary designer Colin Chapman, embarked on a groundbreaking project to develop an active suspension system for their Formula One cars. The goal was to revolutionize ride height control, tire wear management, and driver comfort. The system, known as the Type 88, was highly complex and ambitious, employing hydraulics to replace traditional springs and dampers.
Despite initial promise and a few race victories, the Type 88 faced numerous challenges. The technology was complex and prone to failures, adding weight to the car and draining engine power. Additionally, driver Nigel Mansell was a vocal critic of the system, citing its unreliability and lack of feel. The project was eventually shelved due to financial constraints and the loss of Chapman's leadership.
### Williams: Refining the Concept:
In the late 1980s, Williams took a different approach to active suspension, focusing on optimizing aerodynamic performance rather than ride comfort. Their system, developed in collaboration with automotive products, was simpler and more reliable than Lotus's Type 88. It utilized hydraulic actuators to control ride height, allowing the team to fine-tune the car's aerodynamics for specific track conditions.
Williams' active suspension system proved to be highly effective, helping the team achieve significant success in the 1987 season. However, reliability issues and a major problem with the oil reservoir in 1988 led to the system's temporary abandonment. It was briefly revived in 1991 before being phased out due to the increasing complexity and cost of the technology.
### Modern Era: A Brief Resurgence:
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a brief resurgence of interest in active suspension systems. Teams such as McLaren and Ferrari experimented with various designs, aiming to improve traction control and overall car stability. However, these systems were ultimately banned due to concerns about safety and the potential for unfair advantages.
### Conclusion:
The pursuit of active suspension systems in Formula One has been marked by innovation, controversy, and technological advancements. While the systems have shown promise in enhancing performance and handling, they have also faced challenges related to complexity, reliability, and cost. The ban on active suspension systems in modern Formula One highlights the sport's focus on maintaining a level playing field and preserving the driver's role in controlling the car. ## Summary of the Podcast Episode Transcript: "Missed Apex Podcast: Pre-Season Tech Talk with Matthew Somerfield and Engineer Kyle 'Edgy' Power"
### Introduction:
- The podcast episode features Matt Trumpets, Matthew Somerfield (technical editor at Motorsport.Com), and Kyle Power (engineer) discussing pre-season Formula One (F1) technology and innovations.
### Active Suspension Systems in F1:
- The conversation revolves around the history and significance of active suspension systems in F1, particularly during the early 1990s.
### Williams FW14B and FW15C:
- The discussion highlights the groundbreaking achievements of the Williams FW14B and FW15C cars, which dominated the 1992 and 1993 F1 seasons, respectively.
- The FW14B's active suspension system, designed by Adrian Newey, provided exceptional control over the car's ride height, allowing for aggressive aerodynamic configurations.
- The FW15C featured even more advanced active suspension technology, with individual control over each corner of the car, enabling precise adjustments to suit various track conditions.
### Innovations and Controversies:
- The podcast delves into the innovative features of the FW14B and FW15C, such as the "DRS push to pass" button, which allowed drivers to temporarily reduce drag for increased straight-line speed.
- The episode also touches upon the telemetry capabilities of these cars, which enabled early detection of tire punctures and other issues, providing valuable information to drivers.
### Impact on F1 and Technological Advancements:
- The widespread adoption of active suspension systems in F1 during the early 1990s led to a surge in costs and concerns about driver safety.
- The FIA eventually banned active suspension systems in F1 from the 1994 season onwards, citing safety and cost concerns.
- However, the technological advancements and innovations pioneered during this era had a lasting impact on F1 and contributed to the development of various technologies used in modern F1 cars.
### Conclusion:
- The podcast concludes with a retrospective look at the active suspension era in F1, acknowledging its significant contributions to the sport's technological evolution while also recognizing the reasons behind its eventual ban.