Calculating how fast a wheel turns

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the rotation speed of a wheel in a car animation, emphasizing the relationship between distance, wheel radius, and rotation. To determine the time for one complete revolution, the formula involves the wheel's circumference, which is calculated as 2π times the radius. The discussion clarifies that acceleration does not affect the wheel's rotation speed at the contact point with the ground, provided there is no slipping. Additionally, turning does not impact the wheel's rotation speed if the turning radius is significantly larger than the wheel's radius.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly rotational motion
  • Familiarity with the formula for circumference (C = 2πr)
  • Knowledge of animation principles in computer graphics
  • Experience with non-slip conditions in wheel motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of rotational motion and its applications in animation
  • Learn about the effects of acceleration on wheel dynamics in detail
  • Explore the principles of non-slip conditions in wheel movement
  • Investigate resources for practical problem-solving in physics, such as "Physics for Animators"
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for animators, physics students, and anyone involved in creating realistic vehicle motion in computer graphics.

gencartmanelee
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Its been over 4 years since physics, I'm a little rusty.

I am doing a cg animation of a car moving, and I can't get the wheels to look right when turning(I'm eyeballing the rotation of the wheels). The wheels look like they are turning to slow or too fast.

1)How do you determine how long it takes for a wheel to complete 1 revolution? My knowns are distance and radius of the wheels (I think that's all I'd need to know). If not, please just post a formula.

2)How is this effected when the car is accelerating?

3)How is this effected when the car is turning?

Tnx for the help, I'm sure you'll see more posts later from me on related things.

Also, is there an intro level book someone could recommend that teaches the basics of stuff like this? I don't want a book just about theory, I actually need to solve problems :)
 
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A wheel moves forward a distance equal to its circumference with each rotation.

- Warren
 
2) The wheels motion is not affected by acceleration since the point of the wheel that touched the surface will always be 0 assuming that you have a non-slip condition. The only difference will be that fact that the actual wheel will be spinning faster and faster with the car.

3) Again it will have no difference ASSUMING that the turning radius is much greater then the radius of the wheel.
 

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