Calculate Max Velocity for RWD Vehicle on 6% Grade | Homework Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum velocity of a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle on a 6% grade, given specific parameters such as weight, center of gravity, wheelbase, and aerodynamic characteristics. Key equations include the calculation of wheel torque and maximum tractive effort, with the engine producing peak torque at 45 kW and 4000 rpm. The main challenge identified is the lack of a gear ratio to convert motor torque to wheel torque, which is essential for determining maximum velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vehicle dynamics and forces, particularly in RWD systems.
  • Familiarity with torque calculations and power transmission in automotive engineering.
  • Knowledge of basic physics principles, including forces and motion on inclined planes.
  • Proficiency in using equations related to tractive effort and aerodynamic drag.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research gear ratio calculations and their impact on wheel torque conversion.
  • Study the effects of rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag on vehicle performance.
  • Learn about the relationship between engine power, torque, and vehicle acceleration.
  • Explore advanced vehicle dynamics simulations using software like MATLAB or Simulink.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for automotive engineers, mechanical engineering students, and anyone involved in vehicle performance analysis or dynamics modeling.

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Homework Statement



Determine the maximum velocity attainable by a vehicle with the following conditions:
  • RWD
  • 6% grade
  • Weight = 20 kN
  • CG is 1.25 m behind front axle and 0.5 m above ground level.
  • Wheel base is 2.8 m.
  • Effective rolling radius of wheel = 30 cm
  • Coefficient of aerodynamic drag = 0.45 with frontal area 2.3m2
  • ρ = 1.25 kg/m3
  • Engine develops peak torque at 45 kW and 4000 rpm
  • The rotating inertia of the gearbox is and engine is 0.454 kgm2
  • The rotating inertia of each wheel with driveline is 1.76 kgm2
  • coefficient of friction between road and tire μ = 0.8

Homework Equations



Wr = (W l1cosθ + Rah + W h sinθ)/L

Max Tractive Effort = μ Wr

Ra = 1/2 ρ V2 A CD

The Attempt at a Solution



To solve this problem, I was going to first determine if the wheel torque is limited by the vehicle motor or by road adhesion, then find the maximum velocity using the limiting torque. I can get motor torque but am stuck at this point as I am not given a gear ratio to be able to convert motor torque to wheel torque.

TM = 30 P nrpm / π = 107.43 N/m

I know how to solve for everything else, its really just the the conversion to wheel torque that I'm stuck at (unless I'm approaching this problem entirely wrong).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Instead of converting engine power to engine torque, convert all resistances ##R## to power by multiplying them by the car velocity. So instead of:

##F_{wheels} - \sum{R} = ma##

Since wheel power is equal to engine power ##P_{eng}##, you can use:

##P_{eng} - \left(\sum{R}\right)v = mav##
 

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