Calculations for the video "Comparison of V10, V8 and 2014 V6 F1 engine sounds"

Almost three years ago, the new engine specifications for 2014 said engines would be limited to 12000 rpm and they would have 4 cylinders. Using the same calculations than those used to make my last video (shown above), I concluded that those V4 could no longer be played on guitar, and you would need a bass guitar instead: http://www.formula1guitar.blogspot.com.es/2010/12/formula-1-bass-guitar-sound-of-future.html

Now let me edit that post with the new specifications of 2014 engines. In other words, let me explain better what I did in the video above:

First, I calculated the theoretical pitch of current Formula 1 V8 engines. This way, we have the revolutions limit in 18000 rpm, which is 300 revolutions per second, that is 300 Hz. Given that a four-stroke engine cylinder has one explosion for every two revolutions, we have 150 explosions per second per cylinder. Therefore, the eight cylinders of a V8 engine make for a total of 1200 explosions per second, that is a sound of 1200 Hz, which is a musical note slightly above D6. However, the actual sound we hear on TV onboard laps has a predominant frequency of 600 Hz when the engine is on top revolutions, which is a subdivision of the 1200 Hz theoretical sound. That is the main frequency I play on my guitar videos, using appropriately tuned third and fourth strings past 22nd fret to have a 600 Hz sound (≈D5).

With the new V6 engines, to be used from 2014 on, the revolutions limit will be set to 15000 rpm, which means a reduction of the engine sound pitch by 15000/18000 = 5/6 (250 Hz instead of 300 Hz). Moreover, the engines will have 6 cylinders instead of 8, which will reduce by 6/8 the pitch of the engine sound. Altogether, we will have 5/6 x 6/8 = 5/8, so the 600 Hz sound on top revolutions will turn into a 375 Hz sound. That corresponds to a musical note slightly above F#4, around the 21st fret of a guitar for fifth string.

In the case of V10s, the revolutions limit was variable but around 18700 rpm which, following the same principles than those for V8, corresponds to 312 Hz. So the 10 cylinders will make for a pitch of 779 Hz (slightly below G5), which is the characteristic screaming of V10s. That can be played with properly tuned 2nd and 3rd strings beyond 22nd fret.

The lower frequency that I play for the three engine types is made always with the 6th string. It is similar for the three because it depends only on the revolutions of the engine, and not on the number of cylinders. This frequency coincide with the engine revolutions expressed in Hz, so, on top revolutions, it is 312 Hz for V10, 300 Hz for current V8s, and 250 Hz for 2014 V6.

Check this video to see the differences between the sound of V8s and V10s:

 

Alonso´s best victory

I heard several stories about Spaniards hesitating to watch the European GP race because of Alonso´s P11 on the grid. But then always someone said "Come on! We are talking about Fernando Alonso!" In a circuit where it is very difficult to overtake, and in a year where DRS help tends to make drivers to concentrate their overtaking efforts in a single spot of the track, Fernando delighted the grandstands by superbly overtaking all around the Valencia track. Take a look to this meaningful map with the number and name of overtaken drivers on each spot (black: on track; green: during the start; gray: during pit-stop; red: mechanical problem):

His talent, aggressive moves, concentration and always sporting attitude; his thoughts for the Spain difficulties and for the people watching the race; and then his tears in the podium make this (I think with no doubt) the best victory in Fernando Alonso´s career:

Score for the Valencia F1 Guitar lap

Presentation of the E20, the new car from Lotus F1 Team

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My happy collaboration with Lotus F1 Team.

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Celebrations of the 30th anniversary of Metallica.-2.- 30 years repeating "We´ll never stop, we´ll never quit, cause we are Metallica"

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That´s what I´m talking about!!!

Everyone who has watched every F1 race this year will remember all the driving mistakes by Sebastian Vettel. And if you can remember them, that means they are a very little few. Vettel is completing a superb championship. Button, Alonso, Webber, or Hamilton have around the same points this year than thus far last year. Vettel is the only one outstanding, and if it was just because of the car, he would be nearer Webber in the standings.

Enjoy the video I am attaching. Only a year later, Alonso would find the joker behind him would be in fact the new youngest double champion ever: