Analysis
Formula 1 Canadian GP
Bite-size tech: Ferrari SF16-H front brakes
This image of the SF16-H during the build-up in Canada shows us the importance of thermal management, not only for the brakes but also for how Ferrari intends to deal with the heat that radiates into the wheel rim and tyre.
Giorgio Piola Matt Somerfield
Published: Jun 10, 2016, 8:30 AM
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Managed correctly, the dissipation of heat from the brakes can be used to cycle the tyres into their temperature range and maintain it to directly influence performance and degradation.
The large inlet scoop is responsible for feeding several internal pathways, cooling the disc and calipers, whilst airflow also bypasses these responsibilities in order to pass through the crossover pipe and hollow blown axle to improve the shape of the airflow around the front tyre.
You'll note that a metal insert is placed atop the disc, which not only adds structural integrity but also acts as a heat sink, targeting a specific part of the wheel rim.
This promotes the radiation of heat from the brakes into a specific area of the tyre in order to change its temperature and improve performance.
Meanwhile, the caliper, housed at the bottom of the assembly, is encased in metallised pipework which will also thermally engage with the wheel rim and gas within the tyre to change its characteristics.
The crossover pipework once again features the tear-drop outlets which help to shape the passage of airflow and temperature transfer between the brakes and wheel rim.
Meanwhile, the brake disc features the maximum drill holes in its surface (1200) to dissipate heat when energy is transferred through them at the most critical braking event.
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