The Importance Of Aerodynamics In Motogp – Aerodynamic research is now an integral part of the development of a MotoGP prototype. Not only because of the winglets, which are the most visible elements, but also because in such a competitive playing field, every little detail becomes the deciding factor. In fact, to double the speed you need to multiply the engine power by 8!
Many people think that to go faster, more power is needed, so all kinds of mechanical preparations are increasing. The speed of a motorcycle also depends on two aerodynamic parameters, which are its frontal surface and its drag coefficient. Resistance to advancement due to air increases with the cube of the speed. So, to double the speed without working on aerodynamics, you need to multiply the engine power by 8!
The Importance Of Aerodynamics In Motogp
So what exactly is aerodynamics? It is a branch of dynamics that deals with the study of the movement of air during interaction with a solid object. This is important to improve the performance of Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP prototypes in races.
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The total resistance to a vehicle moving forward on its wheels is the addition of air pressure, tire rolling, transmission losses, acceleration and any inclination of the vehicle. sidewalk. From a constant speed around 100 km/h wind resistance becomes dominant.
In fluid mechanics, drag is the force that opposes the motion of an object in a fluid. This is what prevents the motorcycle from moving through the air and limits its maximum speed. Therefore, engineers try to reduce this drag, which absorbs most of the power applied to reach a certain speed, resulting in an increase in engine load, resulting in increased fuel consumption and limited performance.
The aerodynamic drag (SCx) experienced by a motorcycle is divided into 2 parts: the frontal area of the motorcycle (S for Surface) and what is called the drag coefficient (Cx). An object like a missile will have a much lower coefficient of drag than a massive object like a truck. To summarize this, to increase the top speed of a motorcycle by working on aerodynamics, engineers have 2 options: have a smaller frontal area and/or reduce drag.
Improving the coefficient of friction involves ensuring smooth air flow over an object. The teardrop design, currently followed by the majority of motorcycle manufacturers, is a rather ideal shape due to its smooth, rounded front end and gradually reduced tail. With this design, air is easily pushed as the drop moves. There are no low pressure or vortex areas that engulf the object and increase drag.
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Aerodynamic research initially focused on reducing drag, but it soon became clear that vertical forces (lift or downforce) were also of great importance. In fact, aerodynamics also determine the distribution of these forces, which affects the directional stability and behavior of a motorcycle.
As in aviation, we use lift to take off and keep a plane in the air because the profile of an airplane’s wing creates a pressure difference between its two faces (air has a longer path on its upper face than on its lower face, hence higher relative speed and less pressure), which It also creates buoyancy force.
As in motor sports, we try to create negative lift force to increase grip on the ground. Lift is very important and a matter of compromise: In fact, if it’s too strong it reduces the bike’s speed, if it’s too low it reduces grip too much. Therefore, lift is an important component of aerodynamics but is more difficult to change than drag.
This is specifically why Ducati introduced the famous winglets in 2015, which have since been adopted by all manufacturers. Ducati doesn’t hide this; More and more efforts are being made to transfer F1’s much more advanced experiences to MotoGP, and judging by the results the manufacturer has managed to achieve, this area deserves careful analysis…
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Engineers and designers have many ideas in their minds to make cars faster, but with motorcycles it is more complicated: the biggest problem is that the rider is perched on his motorcycle, which offers great air resistance. Keeping the airflow around the rider smooth and then squeezing it into the back of the bike like a drop of water is the hardest part.
In F1, even if the driver’s head comes out of the cockpit, the air flow changes direction before it reaches him and its effect is less. At the front of the motorcycle, the wheel, fork and especially the massive radiator are problematic in order to have the least possible disturbance to the air flow. At the rear of the bike, the rear wheel, exhaust ports, swingarm and rider’s back form an irregular shape that is far from the ideal teardrop shape.
As with every development phase, the part is executed on the computer (called computer fluid mechanics CFD), then tested on test benches. Through fluid dynamics computation, engineers then solve the complex equations governing the field of motion around the motorcycle using highly advanced numerical methods, simulating what will be experienced at full scale. takes into account the pilot’s mobility and his own influence on this dynamic.
It is difficult to directly verify the impact of aerodynamic changes on the runway and visualize airflows. That’s why manufacturers are starting wind tunnel testing to make them much more efficient and faster at reducing drag levels.
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During these tests we work on the rider’s position, but also on the fender design, which deflects air towards the sides of the bodywork, softening the aerodynamic impact of the rider’s legs, and then on large sections of the rear shell. which aims to couple turbulent airflow to the rear of the motorcycle.
But it’s not just the motorcycle that’s developed in the wind tunnel; Now helmets have also been developed. We especially remember the aerodynamic protrusion on the back of the helmet. Jorge Lorenzo, 2016. The smallest details matter and this helmet was aimed at increasing the Spanish champion’s top speed.
Other helmet brands have already addressed the issue of aerodynamics. This is the case, for example, of the AGV with its Pista model developed in collaboration with Valentino Rossi.
While aerodynamics is an important factor in the design of a motorcycle, the most difficult aerodynamic package to adjust is the rider’s body. It is extremely important to work on riding positions to increase your top speed.
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The larger the rider, the more difficult it is to hide him behind the screen and covering (Loris Baz, with his height of 1.88 meters, does not say the opposite), which can hinder his top speed. Smaller drivers have an advantage in gear search position. Ducati, which ushered in the modern era of MotoGP winglets in 2015, opened a temporary ‘Anatomy of Speed’ exhibition at the Bologna museum to highlight the key role of aerodynamics ‘as a tool’. It is the technological component that rewrites the concept of performance.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali and Ducati Corse managing director Gigi Dall’Igna opened the exhibition on the eve of this weekend’s Italian GP, joined by factory MotoGP riders Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci and Michele Pirro.
“I am extremely proud to open this third temporary exhibition at the Ducati Museum: aerodynamics truly make motorcycles magical,” said Domenicali. “This exhibition also aims to involve Ducati enthusiasts in the transfer of knowledge that has always been part of our DNA, from racing to product.
“Our commitment aims to ensure Ducati riders benefit from better technology, performance, entertainment and safety than ever before; “Aerodynamics, exemplified in the Panigale V4 R, plays an increasingly important role in this philosophy.”
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“Aerodynamics is undoubtedly an area where Ducati Corse leads the way compared to other manufacturers,” said Dall’Igna.
“This is one of our top priority development areas; the aim is to achieve better results in the future.”
Coincidentally or not, the show is taking place at a time when there are rumors that MotoGP aerodynamics will be further restricted in the future, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt Ducati to highlight the importance of road technology.
‘Anatomy of Speed’ will be opened to the public on May 30 and can be visited with the Ducati Museum admission price until October 8, 2019.
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The show begins by introducing aerodynamics from Ducati’s perspective, then examines the research programs and solutions developed over years of racing.
Photos, videos, exhibition panels and projections help tell the story, as well as some of the fairings Ducati uses in MotoGP. Analysis of Changes in Electricity Production from Renewable Energy Sources after Poland’s Accession to European Union Structures
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