Fast car physics
By: Chuck Edmondson
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press; The Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Baltimore
Language: eng
Number of pages: 244
ISBN-13: 9780801898228; 9780801898235
Subjects: Automobiles; Dynamics; Physics; Equipment and supplies; Design and construction
Description: Revving engines, smoking tires, and high speeds. Car racing enthusiasts and race drivers alike know the thrill of competition, the push to perform better, and the agony, and dangers, of bad decisions. But driving faster and better involves more than just high horsepower and tightly tuned engines. The author, a physicist and amateur racer discusses the physics underlying car racing and explains just what is going on during any race, why, and how a driver can improve control and ultimately win. The world of motorsports is rich with excitement and competition and physics. He applies common mathematical theories to real world racing situations to reveal the secrets behind successful fast driving. He explains such key concepts as how to tune your car and why it matters, how to calculate 0 to 60 mph times and quarter-mile times and why they are important, and where, when, why, and how to use kinematics in road racing. He wraps it up with insight into the impact and benefit of green technologies in racing. In each case, his in-depth explanations and worked equations link the physics principles to qualitative racing advice. From selecting shifting points to load transfer in car control and beyond, this book is a source to consult before buckling up and cinching down the belts on your racing harness.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-224) and index.
Table of contents: title: Torque or horsepower? : finding the shift points; title: Horsepower, 0 to 60 mph, and the quarter mile; title: Finding the race line : road racing; title: Basic vehicle dynamics: load transfer and tires; title: Steering and suspension; title: Green racing; title: Get off the streets and go racing!