How Does Raising One Wheel Affect Corner Weights in a Car?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of raising one wheel of a car on its corner weights, focusing on the theoretical and mathematical implications of this scenario. Participants explore the equilibrium state of the car after one wheel is elevated, considering the distribution of weight across the remaining wheels.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that when the car is on level ground, the weight on each tire is 750 lb, but expresses uncertainty about how to calculate the new weights after raising one wheel.
  • Another participant suggests drawing a free body diagram to analyze the situation, indicating that the weight distribution can be determined through static equilibrium equations.
  • A third participant clarifies that the raised wheel is still in contact with the surface, likening it to being on a 1-inch block, which may influence the weight distribution.
  • Another contribution notes that the car remains in equilibrium and that raising the wheel introduces additional load due to spring compression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the exact method to calculate the new corner weights, with differing approaches and levels of certainty expressed regarding the implications of raising one wheel.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical steps required to determine the new corner weights, and assumptions regarding the behavior of the spring and weight distribution remain implicit.

aande
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Homework Statement


A 3000lb car with a wheelbase of 100 inches and track of 50 inches sits on level ground with equal weight on each wheel. The effective spring rate is 700 lb/in at each wheel. One wheel is now raised by 1 inch and the car is allowed to settle to a new equilibrium. What is the new set of corner weights?

Homework Equations


F=k*x


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving this equation through reasoning and using Matlab. Obviously when the car is sitting on level ground the weight on each tire is 750lb. But as the left rear tire is raised I am unsure how to reason out what the new weight would be. I know the weight would increase on the front right and I think on the rear left. I'm not sure how to show this mathematically though.
 
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Draw a free body diagram of the car. Since the car is in equilibrium with three wheels instead of four, the amount of weight on each wheel can be determined by writing and solving the equations of statics.
 
The wheel is still in contact with a surface its just one inch higher than the rest. It's like the car is on a 1 inch block which is under one wheel.
 
The car is still in equilibrium. There is an additional load at the lifted wheel due to the compression of the spring.
 

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