OMS 2000M Underbody aero

[Clive Austin]

The 2000M has low rear lower wishbone attachment points to the extent that holes have to be cut in both sides of the diffuser tunnels to allow the wishbone to pass through to the chassis mounting points. Any hope of smooth airflow through the diffuser is therefore severely compromised.

I was toying with the idea of moving the whole thing back by c 12" - probably no bad thing anyway since this would allow it to work better with the rear wing. However, even then there is insufficient ground clearance to allow the floor to pass under the lower wishbone.

I can't think of a handy way around this other than moving the wishbone attachement points - and I don't really fancy fiddling around with the suspension geometry.

However, I have had my annual thought and wondered what the received wisdom is from those better qualified / more experienced than I.

In simple terms, rather than try to make the diffuser clear the wishbone, why not accept that it doesn't and then optimise what you have. To my mind this means:

i) making a fairing in the shape of a small aerofoil (mini wing if you like) to enclose the portion of the wishbone within the diffuser channel. This would be attached to the wishbone and move up and down in the channel. Alternatively, it could be fixed and the wishbone would move up and down inside it?
ii) making some form of gaiter to seal off the diffuser holes where the wishbones pass through.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on other ideas, fixed or moveable aerofoil, gaiters or not etc.

I appreciate that the 2000M is rather too soft for lower ride height and significant ground effects but it's a bit of fun and every bit helps. Besides, I need something to do over the winter!

Thanks in advance for any input.

C

[Ledon Racing]

Modern F1 cars use a rubber gaiter that wraps around the wishbones where ever they pass though sections of bodywork.

Whats your email address, I'll send you a photo if you like (I can only attach very small photos).

[robcapper]

Give Jo a call Clive. We've built a modular floor thar will fit. It worked brilliantly on the Nemesis this season; I ran half the wing I did last year & got more grip.

[sevaun]

Hi Clive
I've just about completed the diffuser on my PR (yes I know it's been almost a year now). I have the same problem as you on my car and have contemplated a rubber diaphragm as suggested. Another idea I had is to use nylon bristle draft excluder strip around wishbones etc. This would have a similar effect to the skirts used to seal chassis to ground on the old ground effect cars. The bristles should be dense and stiff enough to prevent low pressure "leakage" whilst not interfering with suspension movement.
Should prevent drafts in the bum as well .

Richard

[Clive Austin]

Be interested in some pics Richard if you could post some.

C

[jouhar]

The rubber diaphragm idea works well - I used it on my Pilbeam maybe 7 or 8 years ago. The idea came from Tim Coventry who used to share a Gould with Tim Mason... TC was into yacht racing and this rubber stuff he supplied used to be used on boats, apparently.
Regards
Kelvin

[team knifedge]

I wouldn't move the diffuser rearward as it's bound to move the centre of pressure ( ? ) rearward as well and may create imbalance......feels like a trip to MIRA windtunnel !

[sevaun]

Originally Posted by Clive Austin

Be interested in some pics Richard if you could post some.

C

Will take some when it's completed Clive



Richard

[team knifedge]

Clive,
whilst your thinking....how about a 50kg weight reduction plan.....that's the car, not the drivers before anyone chips in......

[jo white]

50kg is a lot of weight to remove !!! and you will probably struggle to meet that target but yep weight reduction is a damn good start as Clives car is a slight bloater