What is porpoising? F1’s aerodynamic phenomenon explained
For 2022, F1 will use new regulations that will bring the racing closer and make it more thrilling. The teams have essentially had to start over this season because of the drastic change from the previous regulations. Because of this, Mercedes is no longer responsible for the majority of victories, and commentators from all over the world frequently use the term “porpoising.”
Which has many fans wondering, “Er, what exactly is porpoising?” It’s understandable that even knowledgeable fans find it challenging to understand all the F1 lingo, and porpoising is merely the most recent addition. in close proximity to concepts like red-flagged, pit window, DRS zone, and everything else in between.
Porpoising: What is it?
Right, to put it simply, porpoising is an aerodynamic phenomenon that Formula 1 cars have started to experience as a result of the so-called “ground effect” philosophy, in which air is drawn from under a car to pull it down onto the track at a great speed instead of on the top to try and force it down.
The problem is that a vehicle wants to be sucked to the floor the faster you go. And if it approaches too closely, the airflow may stop, or “stall,” causing the downforce to drop precipitously. The cars then accelerate upwards.
But after the floor of the car is free of the ground, the airflow resumes, and the vehicle is once more drawn downward. Porpoising is this aggressive bouncing.
Why is it referred to as porpoising?
That’s a funny term, huh? The term “porpoising” derives from the common sea mammal known for bobbing up and down on the water’s surface as it swims. Dolphining doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?
How can porpoising be stopped?
Oh, that’s simple—just increase your car’s ride height. It all comes back to the word “downforce,” which is crucial. Porpoising can be avoided by running a car higher off the ground, but doing so results in less downforce being produced.
Your car will move more slowly with less downforce. Additionally, you won’t receive any points if your car is slower. Additionally, your season-ending prize money will be pitiful if you don’t earn any points.
The fact that sophisticated hydraulic suspension systems have been outlawed, in part because they are pricey (and teams are now subject to cost caps), but also because it was discovered that they contribute to polluted air, doesn’t help the situation. Therefore, teams cannot pursue that as a solution.