Does Gravitational Variation Affect Fuel Consumption on Identical Roads?

AI Thread Summary
Fuel consumption in cars can vary on different roads despite identical conditions due to several factors. Gravitational distribution and altitude differences may affect engine performance, as these can influence air pressure and density. Environmental conditions such as wind and humidity also play a significant role, with varying effects based on the car's shape and driving direction. The discussion raises questions about how much these factors can impact fuel efficiency, suggesting a need for careful analysis to quantify their effects. Overall, understanding these variables is crucial for accurate fuel consumption comparisons.
y33t
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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
 
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Wind. Temperature (of air, tyres, road). Humidity.
 
voko said:
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 ?
 
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.
 
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