Clarifing Rules
Questions regarding the 2009-2010 rules for the F1 in school competition; concerning rule 2f: minimum radius.
Firstly, does the minimum radius of 1.5 mm apply only to the body or does the minimum radius of 1.5 mm apply both to the body and to the aerofoils?
Secondly, if two surfaces come together and form a sharp edge, is this in violation of the minimum radius of 1.5 mm? Technically, the meeting of the two surfaces at a sharp edge would have no radius, so would it be breaking the minimum radius rules to thus have a completely sharp edge?
Thirdly, does the minimum radius rule of 1.5 mm apply to the meeting of the sides of the car to the bottom of the car?
Forthly, the rules state that the minimum radius rule of 1.5 mm applies only to the places where edges meet at an angle of less than ninty degrees. Does this mean that the minimum radius rule applies when a wedge is cut into the car so that a cross section shows an acute angle wedge of missing material, or does the minimum radious rule apply when there is an edge of a thin part and a cross sections shows an acute angle wedge of car body material projecting out into open space?
Finally, we have a question that does not regard the minimum radius rules. Is it all right to make a car where large portions of the center are cut away so that wind can blow down the center of the car? We would be sure to place the tether line guides in the correct locations and properly affix the power plant to the rest of the car.
Response from the Rules Committee:
Question 1: The minimum radius requirement applies to the entire car except for the front aerofoil. The front areofoil can be 1.5 mm thick so the radius would not make sense here. However, realize that on the aerofoil if you have used the minimum thickness, any exterior acute angle will result in part of the aerofoil going below that thickness.
Question 2: Rule 2f states that any surfaces meeting at less than 90 degrees must be radiused. Eliminating the sharp edge is the main purpose of the rule.
Question 3: The rule applies everywhere on the car.
Question 4: Safety is the reason for eliminating the sharp protrusions. Any inside cut of less than 90 degrees will not pose a hazard. It would generally also be radiused by the cutter.
Question 5: There are two rules here. First, Rule 2b requires a maximum track clearance of 15mm. This would seem to eliminate holes through the car, but actually only applies where the car's body exists. Rule 2j requires that there be a rectangular surface of 30mm front to rear and 50 mm side to side in the area bounded by the side pods. This requires the car to show a solid surface of that size in a top view. This rule does not preclude holes in the car, it just limits their size and location.