Interesting F1 Mercedes steering development and funny article

[masraum]

Interesting, adjustable toe on the car.



Apparently, anyone can write for formula1.com
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-insight-have-mercedes-just-changed-the-game-with-new-steering-wheel.78KDOPX7xRy9YtaFZPCKC4.html

even people that don't understand suspension alignment/terms (which seems like it might be important for writing about auto-racing) I added the bold.

Mercedes created a stir on the second day of testing as an on-board camera showed Lewis Hamilton pushing and pulling on the steering column (as shown in the video above), using a mechanism that appeared to change the alignment of the front wheels.

Hamilton would pull the wheel back on the column as he drove down the straight (which had the effect of straightening-out the usual ‘toe-out’ of the wheels) and would then push it back down just before the corner, at which point the wheels would adopt their conventional ‘toe-out’ setting.

Typically an F1 car will be set up so that its front wheels are aligned with ‘toe-out’, which simply means that they splay out at the bottom away from the centre of the car, with the top pointing inwards.

The reason they are set in this way is to create a tiny delay in the front tyres loading up as the car is turned in so that the rear tyres do not have too sudden an instantaneous load placed upon them, which would make the car feel unstable on turn in.

However, this means that on the straight the inner edge of the tyre’s tread surface is being heated up more than is the remainder of its width.

If the Mercedes mechanism works as assumed, the tyres will be heated more evenly across their width as they run fully upright, but the benefits of toe-out can still be deployed into the corner. It will be of particular benefit on circuits with long straights.

It appears to be a fully mechanical device, likely using the column movement to activate a lever acting upon the wheel hubs. It will add a whole new dimension to the tools available to the driver in trimming the balance of the car and looking after the tyres.

The full picture of how exactly Mercedes’ system works will doubtless become clearer in the next few days. But one thing is clear: the reigning world champions certainly haven’t been taking their foot off the gas over the winter break…

[Zeke]

Well, the caption in the vid did say "toe and camber..."

[tcar]

Masraum....From your post....

Typically an F1 car will be set up so that its front wheels are aligned with ‘toe-out’, which simply means that they splay out at the bottom away from the centre of the car, with the top pointing inwards.


That's the definition of "Camber" not "Toe-in/Toe-out" isn't it????

[masraum]

Originally Posted by tcar

Masraum....From your post....

Typically an F1 car will be set up so that its front wheels are aligned with ‘toe-out’, which simply means that they splay out at the bottom away from the centre of the car, with the top pointing inwards.


That's the definition of "Camber" not "Toe-in/Toe-out" isn't it????

Exactly. That's a quote from the article. I saw the article online and read it, and then re-read it to make sure I wasn't imagining things. Then I went and looked elsewhere, because if the guy writing articles for "formula1.com" can't keep toe and camber straight....

[petrolhead611]

I wonder if the steering column movement translates into movement of adjustable camber bolts that sets camber max negative for corners and a minimum negative setting for the straights.?

[astrochex]

Here is one explanation.

[GH85Carrera]

That article is "funny" in the sense of "does this taste funny" or someone is funny looking. It sure is not humorous, very much a shake your head at the sad state of journalism.

[asphaltgambler]

For reference, toe is measured on a horizontal plane (3-9 clock position) camber is measured vertically ( 6- 12 ). If the idea is taking negative camber out down the straights, I could see how that would reduce drag.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

For reference, toe is measured on a horizontal plane (3-9 clock position) camber is measured vertically ( 6- 12 ). If the idea is taking negative camber out down the straights, I could see how that would reduce drag.

Actually, I would think that camber changes shouldn't much affect drag, but toe changes would absolutely change drag. Tires pointed straight ahead, no drag, tires canted to the direction of travel (toe in or out) then you've got drag, heat, and shorter tire life. If anything, camber puts the tire on edge so less drag (like a more narrow tire).

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by masraum

Actually, I would think that camber changes shouldn't much affect drag, but toe changes would absolutely change drag. Tires pointed straight ahead, no drag, tires canted to the direction of travel (toe in or out) then you've got drag, heat, and shorter tire life. If anything, camber puts the tire on edge so less drag (like a more narrow tire).

One of the articles I read alluded to using this system as a way of getting heat into the tires - so if that was true, then, maybe they are adding toe on the straight to increase the friction between the contact patch and the road.

What it PROBABLY is is a red herring to keep the other teams busy so they don't notice how they're REALLY cheating.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Very neat, very simple idea and very well executed. Bravo Mercedes, Bravo!

I think the above video explanation is wrong, the geometry movements of a sliding steering rack by the small distance shown by the wheel movement wouldn't create enough toe adjustment. Without looking at the rules with regards to legality I'd put my money on it to be more a hydraulic system than mechanical system

I'm sure the main purpose of the system is to improve aero performance by reducing the front tyre wake which in turn reduces drag. Basically a front tyre DRS, the aero development program will be entirely based around it. Any benefits with evening out the tyre temp/reducing tyre degradation before cornering would be a secondary benefit.

I'd be very surprised if another team copies this before the end of the season, it would require major changes/new chassis that would require re-taking the front crash test. On top of that the drivers would require endless hours of simulator driving. Also design department's will be too pre-occupied with the 2021 car rule changes and 2020 aero updates for the amount of distraction it would cause for a end of season running before it's banned for 2021

I have heard Mercedes had this system in development for 2 years and after repeated clarification's from the FIA they end up with a slightly watered down 'legal' version. If true I doubt any other team could copy it in 6 months

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

Very neat, very simple idea and very well executed. Bravo Mercedes, Bravo!

I think the above video explanation is wrong, the geometry movements of a sliding steering rack by the small distance shown by the wheel movement wouldn't create enough toe adjustment. Without looking at the rules with regards to legality I'd put my money on it to be more a hydraulic system than mechanical system

I'm sure the main purpose of the system is to improve aero performance by reducing the front tyre wake which in turn reduces drag. Basically a front tyre DRS, the aero development program will be entirely based around it. Any benefits with evening out the tyre temp/reducing tyre degradation before cornering would be a secondary benefit.

I'd be very surprised if another team copies this before the end of the season, it would require major changes/new chassis that would require re-taking the front crash test. On top of that the drivers would require endless hours of simulator driving. Also design department's will be too pre-occupied with the 2021 car rule changes and 2020 aero updates for the amount of distraction it would cause for a end of season running before it's banned for 2021

I have heard Mercedes had this system in development for 2 years and after repeated clarification's from the FIA they end up with a slightly watered down 'legal' version. If true I doubt any other team could copy it in 6 months

Meh, what do you know about this stuff?

Seriously, when are you going to start writing posts with interesting or entertaining stories about your experiences. Considering your work experience/career, you're practically Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler around here (you know, a rock star).

[rfuerst911sc]

I read online that the FIA has confirmed this steering system IS legal for 2020 and ISN'T legal for 2021 . So whatever edge this gives Mercedes they alone will have that advantage . I agree with Captain the teams engineers will be too involved making upgrades to current cars and working on 2021 cars to try and copy this steering system . I give Mercedes an A+ for the thought process , that's how you help the team/drivers win championships .

[astrochex]

Thanks, Captain for your explanation.

It will be interesting to see how this story evolves with the season.

Kudos to Mercedes for implementing a fascinating technology.

[doug_porsche]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

...I'm sure the main purpose of the system is to improve aero performance by reducing the front tyre wake which in turn reduces drag. Basically a front tyre DRS, the aero development program will be entirely based around it. Any benefits with evening out the tyre temp/reducing tyre degradation before cornering would be a secondary benefit....

You are probably right, but I would argue the exact opposite if it is protested .

Too many rules against movable aero aids.

To support your thoughts , the fan on the Brabham BT46 was 51% for cooling.
To oppose your thought, it still amazes my that the mass damper on the Renault R26 was considered an areo aid.

[David]

Since the rules don't allow suspension changes when moving and the steering wheel can only be used to steer the car, I surmise that pulling the wheel back only 'steers' the wheels towards each other so they're perfectly straight. Then pushing the steering wheel in 'steers' the wheels out (more toe out) for better turn in. Any change in camber would only be a side benefit that occurs when the wheels are steered anyway. Simple idea with probably a very complicated solution.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

Basically a front tyre DRS,

What is DRS?

[tcar]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

What is DRS?

Drag Reduction System....

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

What is DRS?

Sorry, didn't mean to post in F1 code,

DRS is the Drag Reduction System, basically the rear upper wing flap pivots up to reduce drag. This explains it far better than I could

DRS - Drag Reduction System

masraum, you're too kind sir, I'm no rock star just an average Joe that enjoys his job.

I have one story you might like, just need to put into as few words as I can so it isn't a boring read

'How a loose Lucky Strike sticker made our Honda F1 car the fastest'

It's also on topic as it was done at what is now the Mercedes F1 factory, it wasn't illegal/exploited a rule loophole and the FIA banned it the following year

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

masraum, you're too kind sir, I'm no rock star just an average Joe that enjoys his job.

Yeah, but from the point of view of, I suspect, a great many on this board, you at work enjoying your work is like an 8 year old boy seeing an astronaut or a 16 year old seeing their favorite band in concert.

I have one story you might like, just need to put into as few words as I can so it isn't a boring read

'How a loose Lucky Strike sticker made our Honda F1 car the fastest'

It's also on topic as it was done at what is now the Mercedes F1 factory, it wasn't illegal/exploited a rule loophole and the FIA banned it the following year