Formula 1 is set to ban the shark fin engine covers and T-wings from the 2018 regulations but this hasn’t stopped Force India from further developing in both of these areas ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, which could prove advantageous going into next season if the shark fin ban doesn't go ahead.
In an effort to improve the rear-wing’s capabilities a series of fins have been added along the top of the VJM10’s engine cover and a modified T-wing added to bolster rear-downforce.
Alongside a larger aerofoil winglet sculpted over the airbox, a large number of tiny fins (32 pairs in total) now line the shark fin to form what I like to call the ‘hedge trimmer’.
These are all angled slightly downwards, each generating a small vortex that, when entwined together, form two elongated torrents of air running either side of the engine cover. The presence of this vortex forces freestream flow along the centreline of the car to dip downwards ahead of the rear-wing to work the leading edge harder.
Behind the fins Force India have further optimised their tri-plane T-wing to accommodate an impressive six elements. Dividing each plane in two allows for a higher angle of attack as airflow is less likely to separate.
Consequently, each element must withstand higher loads so aluminium supports have been used to brace the elements and prevent the slot gaps from closing.
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