Is Tractive Force Affected by the Width of Tires on a Car?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tractive force in relation to the width of tires on a car. Participants explore the relationship between wheel torque, tire radius, and how these factors may influence traction, particularly in different driving conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the formula for tractive force is wheel torque divided by tire radius or multiplied by tire radius.
  • Another participant states the relationship between torque and force, providing the equation T = F x D and rearranging it to express force in terms of torque and distance.
  • A participant suggests calculating the ratio between the diameter of the crown wheel and tire to understand the reduction in torque.
  • There is a mention of the importance of measuring the tire radius while mounted on the car, considering factors like fuel load and driver weight, as these can affect the radius.
  • Concerns are raised about the impact of driving conditions, such as whether the vehicle is going straight or turning at speed, and how this relates to centrifugal force, tire contact, and friction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between tire width and traction, with some suggesting that wider tires provide better traction while others raise questions about the conditions under which this may or may not hold true. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about tire measurements and the conditions of driving, which may affect the calculations and conclusions drawn by participants.

skt
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Is the formula for tractive force = wheel torque/tyre radius, or wheel torque x tyre radius?
 
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T = F x D
 
Basically, do you simply take the diameter of the crown wheel and tyre, then proceed to calculate the ratio between the two; therefore giving a reduction in torque?
 
Torque = Force x Distance.
(What I wrote above was kind of ambiguous, sorry)

Rearranging for force gives torque / distance.

So in this case it's wheel torque / the rolling radius (from cenre of wheel to outer egde of tyre).

The wheel torque is the torque from the engine * the drive ratios of geabox * final dive ratio.
 
see post below in gen pyshics forumn..
Wider tire giving better traction debate! Old Aug15-09, 04:19 AM

also..you must measure radius of the tire..with mounted on the car, with full fuel, driver...
because it will change from free state

thing 2?? are you going straight or plan on turning at speed..see several posts on centifugal force, tire contact, tire friction etc..
 

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