Calculating Motor Load Capacity for a 4kg Vehicle

AI Thread Summary
To determine if the yellow DC motors can effectively drive a 4kg vehicle, it's essential to calculate the power requirements based on the forces acting on the mass and the desired velocity. The motor specifications include a maximum torque of 800g/cm at 3V and a gear ratio of 1:48, which will influence the overall power output. The power needed for the vehicle can be calculated using the formula Power = Force x Velocity, where Force is derived from the weight of the vehicle and any additional resistance. Understanding these dynamics will help assess whether the chosen motor can handle the load effectively. Accurate calculations will ensure the motor's capabilities align with the project's requirements.
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TL;DR Summary: I need help with calculating how much a motor will be able to pull.

Hi all, I am currently in my first year of engineering and we have a project which requires us to use motors to drive a 4kg max vehicle. I was planning on using the very common yellow DC motors which have arduino compatibility. However I am unsure of if it is powerful enough to pull this load. Below I have listed the specifications:
Operating Voltage
3V-12VDC

Maximum Torque
800g/cm max. @ 3V

Gear Ratio
1:48

Load Current
70mA (250mA max. @ 3V)

It would be greatly appreciated if someone could explain how to calculate the mass it will be able to hold and move.
 
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Please identify the type of DC motor, and provide a link to the motor technical data.
 
The power of the motor (less inefficiencies of the drivetrain) should be equal to the power required by your vehicle.

So you have to first identify the power requirement of your vehicle. A mass of 4 kg is not power. What are the forces acting on that 4 kg mass and at what velocity? (Power = Force X Velocity)
 
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