hardingfv32 wrote:
The important distinction is how the flow path of the force being discussed. In the case of aero drag from the wings, drag is routed from the wings to the chassis and then the suspension. The suspension is not 'directly' effected by drag. 10.1.2 is concerned with forces that originate at the wheels and flow directly to the suspension.
So, if you state that "drag" from a wing, is routed from the wing to the chassis, to the suspension, and therefore does not origin at the wheel, is it fair to say that the down force (lift) generated by the same wing, goes the same way?
If so, I think it is fair to say, that any compression of the suspension due to down force would be illegal - No?
And I do think, that downforce, is affecting the suspension a fair bit, as it contributes about 2/3 of the overall load on the suspension at topspeed.
Or what does cause the compression of the (centre)spring(s), and why would you need them and bumstops and packers etc. in the first place?
If the car stands in pitlane, with an empty fuel tank, and than you go and put 160kg fuel in the car, does this compresses the springs or not?
Does this change in wheel load originates at the wheel, or is the change in wheel load an effect of the added mass from the fuel?