4WD legal in F1 for 2010 for cost capped teams - how light could a 4WD system be made

[duke_toaster]

Basically, the major changes for 2010 are a change of minimum weight to 620kg, and the ban on refuelling.

However, the cost capped teams will get the following breaks.

• More flexibility on the adjustable front wings, that's a higher motion range and less limitations on the changes per lap.
• Movable rear wings, provided at all times they stay within the rules.
• No engine rev limit
• No limit to engines per season
• Double maximum KERS boost to 120kW, to both axles.
• Four wheel drive

Would it be worth a team's while to go for 4WD? Would it be possible to make a car that's on weight with it? Would the weight distribution be significantly harmed?

Just some thoughts. We could have several interesting variations next year.

[fourWheelDrift]

As long as you use an electrical KERS system it is very easy to implement on the front axle only using a motor/generator in each front upright linked to a central control system and battery. Engineers may know better but I suspect this could be done for no more weight than currect electrical KERS and would provide 4WD accelerating out of slow corners and at the start which is probably the only time it is any use anyway.

This solution would give limited 4WD (as you can only apply the KERS limited energy to the front axle) with no extra weight over any other KERS equipped car. In addition this year heavy drivers are struggling to get enough ballast in the front of the car when equipped with KERS so the more forward KERS weight might be a benefit.

[JamesH]

I agree with 4wd. I can't see how you can get a drive shaft past the driver to the front wheels.

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by JamesH

I agree with 4wd. I can't see how you can get a drive shaft past the driver to the front wheels.

Up the side or up both sides. Very few things are impossible if you throw enough money at it !

[bodgit]

Just put the KERS through the front wheels, could bee interesting in a wet race

[phoenix]

Originally Posted by bodgit

Just put the KERS through the front wheels, could bee interesting in a wet race

Going in a straight line the front tyre have loads of spare grip 'capacity' being unused, so dumping the current 80 hp (or the proposed 160 hp) through them should be no problem - not even in the wet.

What might cause a problem is having no front differential. If two motors are used I guess they could ensure (by electronic control) that both front wheels are turned at the same speed, but I can't see how a differential effect could be provided in corner - but there are some very clever people who have probably solved that one!

I wish someone would publish the torque figure that the typical KERS system outputs - but I guess BHP numbers impress people more. What impresses me is the almost immediate increase in revs when KERS is used - that implies massive torque, which of course electric motors are renound for.

[fourWheelDrift]

Originally Posted by phoenix

What might cause a problem is having no front differential. If two motors are used I guess they could ensure (by electronic control) that both front wheels are turned at the same speed, but I can't see how a differential effect could be provided in corner - but there are some very clever people who have probably solved that one!

If you have two motors the torque will be split automatically with the wheels rotating at different speeds so no need for a differential. The simplicity is one of several reasons putting the KERS on the front wheels is so attractive, the other big one being as you say that when accelerating in a straight line there is loads of spare grip available to get the power down.

[R59]

Sounds like a way to get teams to keep KERS even though some of them (hey Flav?! is that you!) want to be rid of it.

Here says Spanky, this is an incentive to keep KERS - put it on you're front wheels too.

No limit to engines? Well you'll soon run out of money if you're a budget capped team, so there is a limit - the shallow wallet!

What's next? 6 wheelers again...

[phoenix]

Originally Posted by phoenix

I wish someone would publish the torque figure that the typical KERS system outputs - but I guess BHP numbers impress people more. What impresses me is the almost immediate increase in revs when KERS is used - that implies massive torque, which of course electric motors are renound for.

........ or I could work it out myself!

In 2009 the front tyres are 670mm diameter, which gives about 826 revs per mile.

At 100 mph they would be rotating at 1377 rpm.

therefore, in 2010 with 80 bhp per wheel equatees to 305 ft/lb torque per wheel!

at 150 mph the available torque would still be 203 ft/lb per wheel!

Of course in 2009 this is same amount of power is split between the two rear wheels. With maximum torque from the petrol engine being something around 240 ft/lb it is no wonder they shift up a gear when they hit the KERS button!

[JamesH]

Anyone running front wheel KERS at the start would blast past anything with only rear drive. Should make for some entertaining first corners.