# Calculating the minimum speed to produce a certain downforce

1. Nov 17, 2009

### reesespieces2

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The problem is to find the minimum speed of a Formula 1 car that would produce a downforce that is greater than the force of the car. The mass of the car is given: 605kg.

2. Relevant equations
I have absolutely no idea what equations to use.

3. The attempt at a solution
I don't even know how to approach this. I know that you have to find the force of the car (5929N) but I don't know how to go about finding the speed. I just need an equation that could help me.

Last edited: Nov 17, 2009
2. Nov 18, 2009

### redargon

There is not enough information in the question. You'd have to know, at least, the lift coefficient of the the total vehicle due to its "wings".

If you know the lift coefficient, I'm guessing it would be negative, so that the lift acts downwards, then you could use the lift equation:

$$L=\frac{1}{2} \rho v^{2} A C_{l}$$