modeling the acceleration of a car

[DerPfeil]

i'm curious as to how one could model the acceleration of a car through the gears. it would have to be a formula for speed i think, and it would depend upon the current rpm, the gear ratio, the torque (and horsepower derived from it), and the circumference of the tire. i'd appreciate any input.

[russ_watters]

You have a good start there. Torque curves are sometimes published so you could get your starting data there.

Another issues to consider: Rotational inertia in the tires. They are accelerating angularly and linearly at the same time. So you need their moment of inertia.