We’re still early in January, but Ford Racing has already presented a contender for the motorsport photo of the year. One of the photographers from the Ford Dakar team managed to capture the Raptor T1+ at the perfect moment with the ideal settings, producing a stunning image that serves as a fascinating example of fluid dynamics.
This is neither AI-generated nor a simulation—let’s discuss how this almost cartoonish spiral of sand was captured as it erupted from the Raptor race car’s aluminum Method 207 Forged Bead Grip wheels.
What we are observing is the wheel functioning as a centrifugal impeller, or turbine, designed for this very purpose. These wheels are shaped to expel heat generated by the brake rotors, which is typically invisible to the naked eye. However, during the Dakar, heavy Saudi Arabian sand continuously enters the wheel barrels. Centrifugal force binds the sand against the inner walls of the wheel barrels, and as demonstrated, it’s expelled through the spaces between the spokes.
The surrounding temperatures in the Saudi desert during January aren’t as high as one might think. When this image was captured, it likely hovered around 60°F–75°F. However, the air close to the Raptor T1+’s brakes would be significantly hotter; those vented discs can reach over 1,000°F while racing. The aluminum wheel itself, which is purposefully designed as a heat sink for the brakes, could be at temperatures exceeding 200°F.
These temperatures can influence the photograph in two distinct ways. First, even a slight trace of moisture in the sand could create a tiny steam layer, effectively lubricating the sand’s movement, which contributes to the clarity of the image. Additionally, the hot and turbulent air laden with sand—colliding with the cooler ambient air—might create a schlieren optics effect, that subtly distorted visual associated with temperature variations.
I estimate a wheel speed of “900 rpm” based on the tire dimensions and presumed vehicle speed. The calculation would be speed over diameter times pi, so, wheel RPM = v * 1056 (from mph to inches-per-minute) / D * pi. In one shot, it’s crested a dune, while in another it seems to be racing flat out on level ground; let’s assume the latter image was captured at 100 mph for simplicity’s sake. Thus, it comes out to (100 * 1056) / (37 * 3.14159) = 908 RPM. When the axle is at 100 mph, the top of the tire would be moving at 200, while the edge of the wheel would be around 45 mph. I’m not sure what you can glean from this beyond indulging your inner nerd, but that’s kind of the point of our discussion.
The weight of the sand, the sunlight, and a high shutter speed combined here to create an impressive visual of brake venting. We’re essentially witnessing a solid-particle analogy of vortex shedding as the sand is accelerated radially.
Typically, a “race truck throwing sand” image portrays just a chaotic mass of material being kicked up by tire treads—this is a uniquely clear depiction of that environment.
Ford’s Raptor race vehicles, developed alongside the UK rally team M-Sport, are tackling the Dakar Rally with greater intensity this year compared to last. Competing in the premier T1+ class, eight Raptors have been deployed for the 2026 event, up from only four last year.
As Ford Racing stated a few days ago, at the commencement of the 2026 Dakar Rally:
“Our initial years at Dakar focused on gaining knowledge: understanding the race, the rhythms, the terrain, and the operational demands. This phase was crucial. The phase we are entering now is different. With scale, experience, and eight Raptors among the competitors, our mindset has shifted from accumulation to execution. The goal is no longer merely to validate the program; it is to strive for overall victory.”
As this is being written (with eight stages completed and five remaining), Ford is definitely in contention for the podium. Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah (a frequent leader at Dakar) is currently first in his Dacia, but Ford’s Mattias Ekström from Sweden is close behind. Ford Raptor vehicles occupy four of the top 10 positions as Stage 9 begins.
Method revealed that the wheels on the Raptor T1+ comprise their 207 Forged Bead Grip racing wheels, sized 17×8.5, paired with 37×12.50 BF Goodrich KDR3 tires.
I have reached out to Ford to inquire if they could provide the name of the photographer. We’ll provide updates as soon as we receive credit for these fantastic images!
Got a lead? Drop us a line at [email protected].
**Comprehending the 900 RPM Fluid Dynamics of the Sand Turbine’s Flawless Spiral**
The sand turbine, a pioneering device designed to harness energy from moving sand, operates on fluid dynamics principles that are key to its functionality and efficiency. Central to its operation is the concept of the flawless spiral, which considerably optimizes the turbine’s performance, particularly at a rotational speed of 900 RPM.
**Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics**
Fluid dynamics is the study of fluids (liquids and gases) in motion. It includes various principles that describe how fluids behave under a range of conditions. In regards to the sand turbine, grasping the flow characteristics of the sand as it interacts with the turbine’s structure is vital. The fluid flow dynamics can greatly impact the energy conversion efficiency of the turbine.
**The Flawless Spiral Structure**
The flawless spiral configuration of the sand turbine is designed to enhance the interaction between moving sand and the turbine blades. This setup facilitates a seamless and steady flow of sand, which is critical for sustaining optimal rotational speeds. At 900 RPM, the turbine is built to leverage the kinetic energy of the sand particles, transforming it into mechanical energy.
The spiral design allows for a gradual increase in speed of the sand particles as they progress through the turbine. This structure minimizes turbulence and energy losses, guaranteeing that the maximum kinetic energy is captured. The spiral’s geometry also aids in directing the sand flow in a way that boosts the turbine’s overall efficiency.
**RPM’s Impact on Fluid Dynamics**
Functioning at 900 RPM poses distinct challenges and prospects for the sand turbine. At this speed, the centrifugal forces acting upon the sand particles become substantial. These forces can lead to more efficient separation of the sand from the air, enhancing energy capture. However, stability at this speed necessitates careful engineering to avert vibrations and ensure structural resilience.
The sand flow rate through the turbine is also affected by the RPM. At 900 RPM, the turbine must be calibrated to manage the specific volumetric sand flow that can be processed without causing obstructions or excessive wear on its components. The equilibrium between flow rate and rotational speed is crucial for attaining optimal performance.
**Efficiency of Energy Conversion**
The efficacy of energy conversion within the sand turbine is closely linked to the fluid dynamics at play. The flawless spiral design, coupled with the operational speed of 900 RPM, facilitates a high energy capture rate from the moving sand. The turbine’s capability to turn kinetic energy into mechanical energy is enhanced by the streamlined sand flow, which diminishes drag and turbulence.
As sand courses through the turbine, it transfers energy to the blades, prompting them to rotate. The design guarantees maximization of this energy transfer, resulting in superior overall efficiency. Engineers constantly analyze the involved fluid dynamics to refine the design and enhance performance metrics.
**Final Thoughts**
Understanding the 900 RPM fluid dynamics of the sand turbine’s flawless spiral is crucial for optimizing its design and functionality. The interaction between spiral geometry and sand flow characteristics allows for efficient energy conversion, rendering the sand turbine a promising technology for renewable energy production. Continued research in this domain will further improve the performance and applicability of sand turbines across various energy applications.