Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxim
Something like it was tried in the 70's and 80's. However, the fan was completely separate from the rims, and it was oriented up and down, not side to side. It also functioned using a multiplicative gear-set (just like a helicopter tail rotor), as opposed to a tire rim, which uses both the transmission and differential as a reduction gear....the exact opposite. It was outlawed because it worked too well.
Sorry for the fluid dynamics and mechanical engineering lesson. I promise I'm done.
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According to GT5, the Chaparral 2D/2J use the fan to *suck* air out under the car to improve traction. This is also done on that Red Bull X1. Yes, it was banned because it worked too well to give unfair advantage, and similarly the ground effect on F1 cars in 70/80's.
As Maxim pointed out, using the rim as a fan will have its complication. However, to solve the problem of brake cooling by air, I wonder if we can either do the two things: channel air from undercarriage or from the front bumper. If it is designed right, the air directed from undercarriage can be directed towards the hub to cool the rotor and then be directed again not hitting the rim because it could create turbulence. I think the design study on Red Bull X1 reflects this so that they put a wheel cover to stop air from going out of the rim (but then how do you change the tire.....). On the other hand, if you simply punch holes on the wheel arc or front bumper, the air may not enter the hub for brake cooling. It may just cool the tire for that effect.
Hmmm.. this is harder than it seems to be.
