Does Gravitational Variation Affect Fuel Consumption on Identical Roads?

[y33t]

Hi all,

Problem ; Why a car consumes different amounts of fuel on two different roads with same characteristics only with different locations ?

Assumptions;

-Amounts of fuel consumed, lengths and slopes of two roads are measured precisely.
-Two roads are built from the identical material thus friction force is same in both.
-Car has the same load including driver in both two measurements.
-Identical fuels are used in both two measurements.
-Car was driven with identical characteristics in two measurements.

Surely there might be other parameters that needs to be considered for performing such a comparison but these are the ones that comes to my mind mainly.

My potential explanations ;

1- Gravitational distribution on Earth or object due to space is not homogeneous ?

2- Different altitudes have different pressure values that can directly/indirectly effect the operation of the internal combustion engine

 

[voko]

Wind. Temperature (of air, tyres, road). Humidity.

 

[y33t]

Wind. Temperature (of air, tyres, road). Humidity.

Temperature is the same as well.

Wind and humidity ; up to what percentage can these parameters be effective ?

Let's say 10lt/100km for no wind and humidity is at reference cell.

What would the average wind and average humidity correspond to in liters/kilometers ?

 

[voko]

For wind, much depends on the shape of the car and the direction and the strength of wind. It is not entirely implausible to speculate that it is possible for a car arrive at its destination by wind alone.

I am less sure about the temperature and humidity, this will require a careful analysis.

 

[PJC01]

?

I would first like to commend the writer for considering multiple factors and assumptions in their analysis. This is a crucial step in any scientific investigation.

Regarding the problem of different fuel consumption on two roads with similar characteristics, I agree that there could be other parameters that need to be considered. For example, the condition of the roads, the weather, and the driving behavior of the individual could also play a role.

Now, addressing the potential explanations provided, I would like to focus on the second one about different altitudes and pressure values. This is a valid point to consider, as air pressure can affect the performance of an internal combustion engine. However, I would also like to bring attention to the concept of gravitational potential energy.

As you mentioned, the gravitational distribution on Earth may not be completely homogeneous. This means that the gravitational potential energy of the car may differ slightly on the two roads, depending on their location. This difference in potential energy could result in a variation in the amount of work needed to move the car, ultimately affecting the fuel consumption.

Additionally, the slope of the roads could also play a role. Even if the roads have the same length and material, a steeper slope would require more work to be done against gravity, leading to higher fuel consumption.

In conclusion, while the pressure values at different altitudes could affect fuel consumption, it is also important to consider the concept of gravitational potential energy and the slope of the roads in this scenario. Further research and experimentation would be needed to determine the exact impact of these factors on fuel consumption.