Intermittent contact in rolling friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of a road system alternating between a frictionless surface and a normal asphalt road. The concept suggests that tires would gain angular momentum while slipping on the smooth surface, potentially delivering more thrust upon transitioning to the rough surface. However, participants highlight significant practical issues, including the necessity of a limited-slip differential for vehicle movement and the inevitable energy losses due to friction and heat. Ultimately, the consensus is that while the idea is intriguing, it is not practically viable due to the laws of physics governing energy conservation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rolling friction and its effects on vehicle dynamics
  • Knowledge of angular momentum and its relationship to linear motion
  • Familiarity with limited-slip differentials and their function in vehicles
  • Basic principles of energy conservation and heat loss in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of rolling friction and its impact on vehicle performance
  • Study the mechanics of angular momentum in relation to vehicle dynamics
  • Learn about limited-slip differentials and their applications in automotive engineering
  • Explore energy conservation laws and their implications in mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in vehicle dynamics and the effects of friction on propulsion systems.

hover guy
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hey i had a bizarre thought, what if there is a road made with a very smooth friction less surface and a normal asphalt road, arranged alternatively, such that , half the time spend by the tire in one rotation is placed on the smooth side and the other half on the rough side, such that the tire completely slips on the smooth side,the vehicle is in linear motion which is generated by the rolling action of the wheels, my question is , will such system deliver the same amount of power for propulsion compared to a conventional tire road sys., becoz i think that when the wheel will spin on the smooth portion it will increase its angular momentum(due to slipping), and thus when it will hit the ground with friction, it will deliver more thrust, in less time, and it will slip(angular) and glide(linear) for the next part of the surface, is such system practically possible...?
 
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I can see a lot of problems with that. Not the least of those is that without a limited-slip differential that car isn't going to move at all. Then there is the absolute hell that will be played with the steering and braking.
 
You cannot create energy out of nothing. At best, the energy that you will recover from the wheel momentum will be exactly the same as the one you lost in traction on the slippery surface (and that was «converted» in momentum).

But because spinning will create friction that will create heat losses, you will never recover completely that lost energy (or power).
 

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