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The application is drag racing in a rear wheel drive vehicle.
The vehicle weighs approximately 3000lbs.
Traction is not an issue as both vehicles grab the ground perfectly.
The front and rear is suspended by a shock and spring in each corner.
All else is equal unless otherwise stated.
Car A launches and leaves the line completely horizontal with no suspension travel. This car has stiffer suspension setup.
Car B launches and leaves the line where the rear end squats and the front of the car raises a few inches. This car has a softer suspension setup.
Is energy diverted from the forward vector and lost in the suspension travel in car B? If so, can you please give me an explanation as to how this occurs?
I am fairly physics savvy but am having a hard time understanding how power is lost in minor suspension travel.
I understand that shocks are designed to absorbe energy (mainly from spring travel)
The way I see it, the engine turns the transmission, which turns the driveshaft, which turns the pinion, turns the differential/axles, and turns the tires. Tires just turn, and turn along the ground. They turn as fast as the engine will power them too regardless of what the suspension may do (within reason).
I understand that for the cars nose to lift, less rotation is seen in the tire, but is re-insert as the front comes down. I also understand that a car that may lift its nose will change its aerodynamics.
Please help me, I am confused. :)
This is my first post btw.
- Keith
The vehicle weighs approximately 3000lbs.
Traction is not an issue as both vehicles grab the ground perfectly.
The front and rear is suspended by a shock and spring in each corner.
All else is equal unless otherwise stated.
Car A launches and leaves the line completely horizontal with no suspension travel. This car has stiffer suspension setup.
Car B launches and leaves the line where the rear end squats and the front of the car raises a few inches. This car has a softer suspension setup.
Is energy diverted from the forward vector and lost in the suspension travel in car B? If so, can you please give me an explanation as to how this occurs?
I am fairly physics savvy but am having a hard time understanding how power is lost in minor suspension travel.
I understand that shocks are designed to absorbe energy (mainly from spring travel)
The way I see it, the engine turns the transmission, which turns the driveshaft, which turns the pinion, turns the differential/axles, and turns the tires. Tires just turn, and turn along the ground. They turn as fast as the engine will power them too regardless of what the suspension may do (within reason).
I understand that for the cars nose to lift, less rotation is seen in the tire, but is re-insert as the front comes down. I also understand that a car that may lift its nose will change its aerodynamics.
Please help me, I am confused. :)
This is my first post btw.
- Keith