Chadders, you perfectly right in your assessment of the difficulty in defining where exactly the front bodywork lies in relation to the reference plane, and at what angle, during motion. As G says, this is the difficulty that the teams have in proving that the wing is moving below the r.p.
If as Richard Hill says (incidentally, I completely agree with him) then the modified load tests that the wings are being subjected to are next to useless. The mass would need to be applied along the leading edge, and only along the leading edge (a difficulty as it is). As you conclude, by measuring from the centre point they are only measuring longitudinal deflection, as oppose to torsional.
I believe the way that the scrutinisers actually complete these measurements is to remove the barge board and tyres from the car, and then place it on a flat measurement bench.
Now irrespective of adjusted ride height, the car would be flush against the table, against the reference plane. They would then be able to use the edges of the table as a basis for their measurements.
Going back to my point about the difficult of testing torsional deflection, simply hanging a weight from the wing will not be sufficient as that will only measure longitudinally. Instead what would be needed would be some sort rigged device. Here's a little drawing I knocked up
If as Richard Hill says (incidentally, I completely agree with him) then the modified load tests that the wings are being subjected to are next to useless. The mass would need to be applied along the leading edge, and only along the leading edge (a difficulty as it is). As you conclude, by measuring from the centre point they are only measuring longitudinal deflection, as oppose to torsional.
I believe the way that the scrutinisers actually complete these measurements is to remove the barge board and tyres from the car, and then place it on a flat measurement bench.
Now irrespective of adjusted ride height, the car would be flush against the table, against the reference plane. They would then be able to use the edges of the table as a basis for their measurements.
Going back to my point about the difficult of testing torsional deflection, simply hanging a weight from the wing will not be sufficient as that will only measure longitudinally. Instead what would be needed would be some sort rigged device. Here's a little drawing I knocked up
that smiley face's mouth can't go that far before it reaches the reference plane?
