Calculating Vehicle Efficiency and Speed at 70% Max Power | Homework Question

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The discussion focuses on calculating vehicle efficiency and speed at 70% maximum power for a sports car equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. Key specifications include a maximum power of 190 bhp at 7800 rpm, a maximum speed of 140 mph, and a mass of 1200 kg. The rolling resistance at 140 mph is given as 200 N, and the coefficient of drag is 0.34. Participants emphasize the need to calculate air drag using the formula 1/2 * Cd * (air density) * speed^2 * area and to consider the relationship between rolling resistance and vehicle speed for further calculations.

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  • Understanding of vehicle dynamics and power transmission systems
  • Familiarity with drag coefficient (Cd) and its impact on vehicle performance
  • Knowledge of basic physics principles, particularly force and motion
  • Ability to perform calculations involving speed, force, and efficiency
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  • Calculate the frontal area of the vehicle for accurate drag force estimation
  • Explore the relationship between rolling resistance and vehicle speed in detail
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  • Investigate the effects of air density on vehicle performance at different altitudes
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Hi everyone. Got this question as part of a homework assignment and become really stuck.Im usually ok on stuff like this but missed the lecture so can't get hold of any notes on rolling resistance. Please help

A new sports car has the following specificationsand performance when fitted with 1 1.8 litre, 4 cylinder, 16 valve double overhead cam , turbocharged engine.
Maximum Power: 190bhp at 7800rpm
Max Speed : 140mph (level road, still air)
Mass = 1200kg
Chassis dimensions (approx): 1.7 x 1.4 x 4.2m (width x length x height)
coefficient of drag for the vehicle is 0.34
Sea level air density is 1.2kg/m3

A) If the rolling resistance of the vehicle at 140mph is 200N, estimate the efficency of the power transmission system in converting engine power to vehicle motion.
B) Assuming the rolling resistance is directly proportional to vehicle speed and that the efficency of the power transmission system remains constant.Calculate the speed of the vehicle at 70%of max power.



Thanks Everyone
 
Last edited:
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Air drag is 1/2*Cd*(air density)*speed^2*area
so you need to estimate the car's frontal area.
Power is F*dx/dt=F*speed
Force F = drag + rolling resistance
You should be able to figure it out from there.
 
hey thanks. understand it now
x
 

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