10/09/2011
Lotus Renault GP strategic partner Total regularly offers F1 news on its site, with information ranging from the relationship between fuel and F1 to interviews with their leading scientific delegate. Each race weekend, LRGP will be showcasing Total features, this week starting with the role of F1 lubricants.
The three main things F1 lubricants have to do A lubricant’s ability to effectively carry out its three main functions will play a decisive role in the race:
Unleashing power:
The main job of a V8 engine oil is to slip into the spaces between moving parts to reduce friction. While some parts of the engine have a comfortably thick film of oil — 2 to 3 microns — others are only separated by a few thousandths of a micron of lubricant. One example is the timing gears that actuate the valves: the pressure generated by contacts is tremendous, around 100,000 metric tons per square meter. The key is lubricant shear heating, which means we have to find the perfect viscosity to limit wear without undermining reliability. If the lubricant film between two parts breaks down, even for a fraction of second, it could be disastrous. We can also work on the additives, which create an additional film to protect surfaces. Lastly, reducing friction also unleashes extra horsepower, as more of the power released by combustion is transmitted directly to the rear wheels.
To read about the other two functions of the F1 lubricant, click here.
To find out more on Total’s involvement with LRGP, click here.
Credit: Lotus Renault GP (www.lotusrenaultgp.com)
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