The usual installation of a test vehicle equipped with shock absorbers being stiff, its pitch and ride height are fully controlled and determined during the aerodynamic forces measurement.
Yet, the natural posture at the customer’s required windspeed is the solution of a dynamic system, of which the aerodynamic forces, versus windspeed, are part of these parameters.
The test consists in letting the vehicle take its natural posture thanks to a special mechanical system allowing the necessary motion freedom. Loads can be added in order to simulate passengers and fuel presence on board.
A laser displacement/position sensor can be installed on one of the car’s fender during the test (here on the front-right wing).