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The argument they gave me was that the tyre did a lot of work instead of having to use the suspension. For things like smaller bumps, defects in the track, kerbs etc, the tyre just soaks it up.
But in that case, the tyre acts as a spring-damper system of limited control. You've got a pair of suspension systems working in serial, surely taking more work away from the system that is more difficult to control and moving it to one that is easier to control is beneficial right?
The tyre soaks up the bumps just like the spring-damper in the suspension system, but in a less controllable manner as both of those are largely defined by tyre pressure, which fluctuates thoughout the race (and at a different rate dependant on the tyre too)
Yes, the larger wheels add unsprung mass.
Figured that'd be the case, be interesting if that & the slightly increased overall mass have much impact on the acceleration. Also (apologies, being super lazy here), but is there any decent estimate over drag losses? Would be interesting to see if braking distances change much, longer braking distances are also a plus for overtaking opportunities.
Edit: Also just spotted they banned inerters, be interesting to hear the reasoning behind that. Half my uni dissertation was on those so I think I'm probably a bit sentimental towards them!
mmccarthy-
But in that case, the tyre acts as a spring-damper system of limited control. You've got a pair of suspension systems working in serial, surely taking more work away from the system that is more difficult to control and moving it to one that is easier to control is beneficial right?
You are assuming it’s possible to make a suspension system that can react like a tyre to small impacts at very high frequency whilst also dealing with large changes in the weight distribution of the car as it corners, compresses as it goes up hill, has downforce changes as it’s speed changes, etc.
It’s probably doable but it’s way easier, simpler and more reliable to stick a massive tyre at a sensible pressure on.
Howard
The argument they gave me was that the tyre did a lot of work instead of having to use the suspension. For things like smaller bumps, defects in the track, kerbs etc, the tyre just soaks it up.
Yes, the larger wheels add unsprung mass.
Almost certainly a bit of that! But they'll adapt quickly enough.