Formula 1 and the Upside-Down Airplane Physics

Formula 1 and the Upside-Down Airplane Physics

Instead of lifting an aircraft, Formula 1 car wings are inverted to create downforce. This aerodynamic force increases tire grip, allowing cars to take sharp corners at speeds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour without flying off the track.

Chapter 1

The great fall: gravity versus air

Chapter 2

Terminal velocity: the speed limit of falling

Chapter 3

Catching the wind: the art of the parachute

Chapter 4

Slicing the sky: cheating drag on the ground

Ch 4 · Slicing the sky: cheating drag on the ground
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artiteacher Japan's Shinkansen bullet train design mimics the kingfisher

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artiteacher Formula One cars use upside-down wings to grip the track.

Sep 30

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Wind Riders
BETA

artiteacher Deploy parachutes and tilt wings to discover how air resistance controls terminal velocity.

Sep 30

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artiteacher The aerodynamic physics of the natural teardrop shape.

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artiteacher Tour de France cyclists use aerodynamic drafting to save energy.

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artiteacher Active Aerodynamics

Open the wing, drop the drag, fly down the straight

Sep 30

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The kingfisher that quieted bullet trains

artiteacher A bird's beak inspired Japan's quietest high-speed train design.

Sep 30

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Fun Fact

Kingfisher train: The nose of Japan's Shinkansen bullet train was modeled after a kingfisher's beak to stop loud sonic booms when entering tunnels.

Sep 30

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Formula 1 and the upside-down airplane

artiteacher Race cars use aerodynamic wings to push themselves onto the track.

Sep 30

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Glossary
streamlining (noun)
The shaping of an object to reduce aerodynamic drag as it moves through a fluid. In 1997, the streamlined ThrustSSC became the first land vehicle to break the sound barrier.

Sep 30

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Quiz

Which bird's beak inspired the aerodynamic redesign of Japan's Shinkansen bullet train?

Sep 30

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Gossip

Which sleek aerodynamic vehicle would you want to drive?

Sep 30

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Quiz

What is the name of the system in Formula 1 that flattens the rear wing to reduce drag?

Sep 30

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Quiz

Which natural shape is considered the most aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.04?

Sep 30

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Quiz

Why do Formula 1 cars have wings mounted on them?

Sep 30

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Quiz

Who built the first wind tunnel in 1901 to study aerodynamic drag and lift?

Sep 30

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Quiz

What is 'active aerodynamics' on a modern supercar?

Sep 30

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Quiz

What is the aerodynamic benefit of 'drafting' or 'slipstreaming' in cycling?

Sep 30

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Quiz

What causes the loud 'tunnel boom' when a high-speed train enters a tunnel?

Sep 30