scootz
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| posted on 9/1/08 at 11:15 AM |
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Sidepods...
I appreciate that single seater Formula racing cars such as Van Diemens, etc, place their radiators in their side pods, but assuming such a race car
didn't have that particular need (i.e. radiator relocated inboard), then is there any benefit to having pods?
Do they provide more downforce?
Does the wider flat flooring underneath produce better ground effect?
So, what would be the effects of running a Formula race car without the side pods be (but maintaining the front and rear wings)?
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Phil.J
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| posted on 9/1/08 at 11:27 AM |
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The main problem with open wheeled cars like single seaters is the turbulance around the wheels stuck out in the airflow. Properly designed sidepods
help manage the airflow to both reduce turbulance and hence drag and to provide a cleaned-up air supply to the rear wings and diffuser exit
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JonBowden
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| posted on 9/1/08 at 11:29 AM |
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I've thought about using side pods on a mid engined sevenish type of car. Reasons :
Allows radiator to be placed near the centre of the car, avoiding long plumbing
Some degree of side impact protection
easy way to hide air intakes into a rear mounted engine
Seems to provide a better appearance for a rear engined sevenish car - my sketches just look more balanced with side pods.
Might be used to provide some luggage storage
The main downside is that they may make your car look a bit boy racerish - as if you are trying to copy an F1 car
Jon
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hampshe
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 posted on 9/1/08 at 11:46 AM |
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Sidepods
On Formula Ford and other cars we have built, we have sidepods because the regulations require them, if they are not required we will accomodate what
ever we need in a smaller side pod or none at all.
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nitram38
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| posted on 9/1/08 at 11:57 AM |
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My sidepods house the rad, plus battery, fuel tank and small fire extringuisher.
Here you can see the winter mods. I am just waiting to pick up the scuttle panel and repaint the panels and it should be back on the road.
I need to sell it because of my new project, so tell your friends !
[img][/img]
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scootz
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| posted on 9/1/08 at 12:11 PM |
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Hampshe,
Are you saying that the sidepods offer no real benefit?
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nitram38
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| posted on 9/1/08 at 12:39 PM |
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Personally I won't have them but it keeps the car shorter.
Imagine having a fuel tank and a rad added to the length, but also bear in mind mine is a two (in a line) seater. The pods also provide leg space for
the rear passenger.
As to benefit, have a look at the underside of an indy or E1 car. The side pods have formed low pressure areas that help with sucking the car down
onto the road.
[Edited on 9/1/2008 by nitram38]
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hampshe
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| posted on 9/1/08 at 03:29 PM |
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I think the advantages of the sidepods may outweigh the disadvantage in terms of aerodynamics, if you do not need them for housing radiators, battery
etc.
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nitram38
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 05:49 AM |
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There is also extra weight to consider
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scotty g
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 07:09 PM |
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i know a guy that wants to fit side pods to his 7 and use one of them as a storage compartment.
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