Amount of torque required to move truck

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the amount of torque required at the drive shaft to initiate movement of a truck from rest, considering factors such as mass, friction, and ideal conditions. The focus is on establishing a relationship between torque and mass without specifying acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a relationship T = (m)(a)(wheel radius) but notes that it fails when acceleration is zero or arbitrarily small.
  • Another participant highlights the need for additional information, questioning why the truck cannot be moved by pushing it.
  • A subsequent reply identifies static friction as a relevant factor and raises questions about the types of friction involved, including mechanical friction in various truck components.
  • Concerns are raised about energy losses, including the effects of lubrication and heat on friction.
  • One participant suggests that power is essential for moving the truck and discusses the relationship between power and torque, indicating that low torque engines require higher RPMs to be effective.
  • It is noted that the calculations involved are complex and require empirical measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between torque, power, and the factors affecting the movement of the truck. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on a simple relationship.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could influence the torque required, including types of friction, energy losses, and the need for empirical data, indicating that assumptions and definitions are critical to the discussion.

fiazo1
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I am trying to determine the amount of torque at the drive shaft required to move a truck of mass m from rest, provided that coefficient of friction is sufficiently high so no slipping occurs, and it operates in an ideal environment, with no friction loss, drag etc.

Based solely on real world observations, I believe that there a vehicle of mass m won't move unless the engine provides a certain amount torque T. I have attempted to relate the two using T = (m)(a)(wheel radius) but this won't work because making a=0 would not yield any values and if (a) is made arbitrarily small, results will vary.

I am looking for a simple relationship between torque and mass of truck, with no particular amount of acceleration, just as long as it begins to move. Thanks
 
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You don't have enough information - consider: why can't you move the truck just pushing on it?
 
I see, friction. What type of friction would this be? And the formula?
 
Well the truck is stationary - so... static perhaps?

Do the tires have to distort as the wheels rotate? Is the mechanical friction in the machinery of the truck? The bearings? The diff? the gearbox? Is the lubricant more slippery after it has heated up a bit? What other sorts of energy losses can you think of?

What your need to move the truck is power.
The relationship between power and torque can be interesting - technically, a low torque engine just has to operate at higher revs. However, if it doesn't have the power it cannot move the truck.

What you've taken on is not a simple calculation - most of the things you want to know need to be measured.
 

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