Mercedes F1 Team Tests New Exhaust Layout at Magny-Cours

During the three-day test at Magny-Cours, MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
9852 photos
33 videos
has begun testing  a new exhaust layout on the W03. The new exhaust uses the Coandă effect, which describes the attraction of liquid jets to other liquids. SauberSauberSwitzerland, 1970 > present21 models
166 photos
4 videos
, FerrariFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
5131 photos
37 videos
, Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
1049 photos
3 videos
and McLarenMcLarenUnited Kingdom, 1963 > present92 models
1883 photos
12 videos
already use exhausts that exploit this effect. Force India and Ferrari are also testing at Magny-Cours. 

According to team manager Ross Brawn, the new exahaust will help with low speed grip and should decrease tire degradation. 

"We think that's quite significant in low speed traction. The effect of the exhaust is more significant at lower speeds than higher speeds, and also brings you the balance perhaps you need for the rear tire," said Brawn. 

Mercedes is also continuing development a double DRS system that channels some air to the car's front wing when the DRS is open. 

On the W03Mercedes-Benz W03Germany, 2012 > 20127 photos
, the Coandă effect is likely being used to bend the car's exhaust in a specific direction by using the car's aerodynamics. You can see a demonstration of the effect below. The blue line is a liquid jet. In the case of the Mercedes this would be the exhaust gases. The red circle is a venturi of air leaving the car. The Coandă effect describes a way for air to be directed by using the air around it. 

Source: Autosport