Delta Wing Project

[Grand_Fromage]

Beware of engineers who are confident in designs based entirely on computer simulation.

Simulations work for conventional designs because the simulator software is written to model the performance of a configuration that has characteristics that are well understood. The DeltaWing is too novel a design for simulations to be completely reliable.   

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/14030

I am sure there are some very clever people involved who must have done the sums so are confident it wont be the death trap it looks like.

[Lazy B'stard]

The crumple zone must also be compromised by having those wheels so close to together, head on wont they be pushed back into the drivers feet?

I am sure there are some very clever people involved who must have done the sums so are confident it wont be the death trap it looks like.

Looking at the length of the car, those front wheels are about 600 metres from the drivers feet. Taking that into consideration and the lack of outright speed, my guess is the drivers feet will already be heading to the bar by the time those wheels get anywhere near them.

As for a lack of suspension, I'm sure there will be some somewhere. Those little bumps on top of the nose box must have something under them?

As for the front tyres.... My guess is this car will enjoy plenty of understeer. Le sarthe's high speed corners are hard on front tyres ( hence everyone switching to wide fronts). I can't see those tyres doing more than 4 laps at a time. Being inside the bodywork, and having three nuts on each wheel won't make for the quickest pits stops.

This car is a real lemon.

[Jules G]

Pistonheads take on it:-

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=129&i=25360

[Brad Zarse]

Surely it has some kind of actively braked steering system? ie. as the driver turns right, it pulls the inside wheel brakes on? 

One thing is for sure - if this runs successfully then it's going to alter a few ways of thinking.  I guess we'll see how quick it runs in the next few days....

[clkgtrlm1]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&client=mv-google&v=Qab8Jkk3yNA

Delta simulation as it appears on ACO / You Tube.

I think their ambition of 3 minutes 30 seconds might be a tad misguided - but we will see!

If that thing does that time or less then I will eat (my hat) 24 bottles of Stella before the end of the race!!

[Andy]

comment made on Sebring fans says it is going to attempt to fly on thursday practice

Let's see after qually

[jimclark]

I admit I haven't a clue as to the performance of this thang (spelling as I want it), but not knowing, all I can say is "Oh ye of little faith..."  

edit: We'll have a clue tomorrow. (Thursday, Sebring)

[Rhino]

But what's the point of it. I understand the principles of it and liked the concept of it but what is meant to prove? If its deemed to work will they change the rules to make all prototypes run to this.

[jimclark]

comment made on Sebring fans says it is going to attempt to fly on thursday practice

Let's see after qually

As stated in post #87, e-m from Sebring itself... http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=74u6ohdab&v=001QkDMjGI5V9ZVrWdmD1o3dCH1EaGSCr6eFCncQBsWSqiYZdfp1YBZqai4uUC-GtVnVbZm23ccjIj74tFaIXZiMa9CJZsuhnrzHRXNGJ5BMoL5d9H-0o6VoVoaI50UR2-H

[Nordic]

But what's the point of it. I understand the principles of it and liked the concept of it but what is meant to prove? If its deemed to work will they change the rules to make all prototypes run to this.

Don Panoz wants a specific class/race for them in the future.

To my mind they are trying to solve a problem that does not exist.

[Lazy B'stard]

Three minutes thirty! Coffee all over screen and small puddle of wee on floor

Right then. Let's have a sweep stake. Predict it's fastest time at Le Sarthe and the nearest gets a prize.

I'll start.

Three minutes fifty eight. And that's being generous.

[Grand_Fromage]

The DW might not be the strangest looking car ever to contest the 24 hours...

Any advances on the 1966 Mini Marcos?  (BTW It was the only British car to finish.)

[Grand_Fromage]

http://www.highcroftracing.com/news/2012/3/15/nissan-deltawing-lego-this-is-too-cool.html

[Kpy]

The DW might not be the strangest looking car ever to contest the 24 hours...

Any advances on the 1966 Mini Marcos? 

How about the 1950 Cunningham Cadillac Spider "Le Monstre"?

Partial view in the pits 1950


and as it is today

Copyright John Lloyd

[landman]

Three minutes thirty! Coffee all over screen and small puddle of wee on floor

Right then. Let's have a sweep stake. Predict it's fastest time at Le Sarthe and the nearest gets a prize.

I'll start.

Three minutes fifty eight. And that's being generous.

4m 02s

I also doubt that it'll go the full distance, so how about an extra bet on laps completed?