How does friction affect a car's ability to turn at high speeds?

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Friction plays a crucial role in a car's ability to turn at high speeds, as lateral friction forces counteract the inertial centrifugal force towards the center of the curve. When the front wheels are turned, the centripetal friction force remains perpendicular to the car's velocity, provided the speed is constant. Friction opposing the direction of travel has minimal impact, primarily due to air resistance and internal bearing friction. For non-driven wheels, friction prevents slipping without hindering forward movement, while driven wheels use friction for both preventing slip and providing acceleration. Understanding these dynamics is essential for modeling vehicle behavior during cornering.
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Im trying to model a car going round a corner and the speed at which it will overturn (assuming no slip)
Is it correct that when turning there are lateral friction forces that oppose the inertial 'centrifugal' force? i.e. towards the centre of curvature
When the front (driving) wheel are turned at an angle does this force still act perpendicular to the direction of the wheel?
Also, how much effect would there be from friction resisting the direction of travel?
and i know that the friction on a 'non driven' wheel opposes the direction of travel but, is it opposite for a 'driving' wheel?

Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi paton51! Welcome to PF! :smile:
paton51 said:
Im trying to model a car going round a corner and the speed at which it will overturn (assuming no slip)
Is it correct that when turning there are lateral friction forces that oppose the inertial 'centrifugal' force? i.e. towards the centre of curvature

Yes. :smile:
When the front (driving) wheel are turned at an angle does this force still act perpendicular to the direction of the wheel?

If the car is not changing speed (as distinct from direction), then the centripetal friction force is always perpendicular to the velocity of the car.
Also, how much effect would there be from friction resisting the direction of travel?

Almost none … that's air resistance, and the internal resistance of the bearings etc inside the car.
and i know that the friction on a 'non driven' wheel opposes the direction of travel

No … friction from the ground (on a 'non driven' wheel) only stops the wheel from slipping … it doesn't impede the forward movement.
but, is it opposite for a 'driving' wheel?

Friction from the ground again stops the wheel from slipping, but also provides forward acceleration. :smile:
 
Paton51, in the real world there is a significant amount of drag induced when the car is cornering. The tire operates at a slip angle, which means that the wheel must be turned more than the path of the tire would seem to indicate. The resultant drag is enough to partially substitute for braking, and needs to be countered with the application of throttle during cornering in order to maintain a set speed.
 
Ok thaks guys, i'll see how i get on now with this info :)
 

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