INTERNAL AERODYNAMICS
For efficient brake cooling (i.e. that does not create too much drag), small brake ducts are the way to go along with ventilated disks that can cool down the brakes using a limited volume of air but also an optimised network of ducts.
Brake cooling mostly works through convection. Fresh air is guided via the ducts towards the parts that need cooling: the carbon disk, the pads, the calliper, and even some electronic sensors. Thus, there are several carefully selected components to attend to, which explains the high number of holes visible on the images above. What’s more, the Red Bull and McLaren are equipped with a specific duct that sends air through a blown front wheel hub used for aerodynamic purposes.
This complex network of ducts is designed via CFD (computational fluid dynamics) with extensive dyno testing to recreate the constraints of a grand prix. The installation must not only meet cooling and aerodynamic demands but also factor in thermal stresses linked to tyre exploitation. Besides feeding cooling air to the components mentioned above, the ducts also have to direct the hot air produced under braking towards specific areas, such as the rims, in order to heat the inside of the tyre.
It is worth noting that Mercedes once again tweaked the design of its brake ducts in Monaco. This was the sixth modification in as many rounds this year, which shows the two-time Constructors’ world champions are still looking for the optimum solution in that area.
