Power train calculations question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around power train calculations for a small race car that utilizes a chain instead of a crankshaft to transfer motion to the rear. Participants are exploring how to calculate torque on the axle and wheels, as well as the forces and acceleration of the car. The scope includes theoretical and practical aspects of automotive engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in power train calculations and seeks guidance on calculating torque and acceleration.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the specific issues being faced, suggesting that the original poster may have confused terms related to the vehicle's drivetrain.
  • A participant explains that sprockets, pulleys, and gears function similarly regarding torque multiplication, emphasizing the importance of input-output ratios.
  • One contributor mentions that acceleration can be calculated from power output, but cautions that losses at each stage should be considered.
  • A later reply provides a hypothetical example of calculating torque based on assumed engine specifications and gearbox reduction, highlighting the complexity of calculating vehicle acceleration due to varying torque at different speeds.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the principles of torque multiplication and the factors affecting acceleration, but there is no consensus on specific calculations or methodologies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact calculations needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific assumptions or detailed definitions, and there are unresolved mathematical steps related to the calculations of torque and acceleration.

wasfy8
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hi,
i have some problems in power train calculations for a small race car has a chain instead of crank shaft converting motion to the rear side, calculating torque on the axle and wheels, forces and the acceleration of the car.
So, can anyone help or mention a guide reference ?
thank you
 
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Can you post a specific question regarding your problem, or the things you are trying to work out?

It's difficult to determine exactly where you need help. From what I can gather, you know the engine outputs, but have a chain/sprocket driving a solid axle. Did you mean propshaft and differential rather than crankshaft?

So it sounds like a Kart, or a motorbike driven single seater or similar.
 
this is exactly what i mean
need to calculate the torque on the wheel and the acceleration of the car
 

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Sprockets, pulleys and gears all work in the same way with regards to torque multiplication. The ratio between inputs and outputs determine the change in speed and torque.

You can calculate your acceleration from the power output, unless you are factoring in losses at each stage.
 
Can anyone help me to calculate the power train calculations...




http://www.emfocus.co.in/automotive-powertrain.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think Chris has answered this for the most part. Remember torque is simply a force across a length, therefore if you have documentation and/or technical papers for the engine you should be able to find out the engines peak torque and at what operational speed it is made at. Assuming peak torque to be 50 N/m at 8000rpm for example, and gearbox reduction in a certain gear to be 5:1 then you know gearbox exit torque will be around 250 N/m (if you disregard frictional, heat and noise losses), say your sprokets give a further 2:1 reduction you can assume that you will produce roughly 500 N/m of torque at the rear axle. I have pulled these numbers out of the air but hopefully you get the picture. Calculating acceleration of the vehicle is a much harder task as the engines torque will vary dependent on the speed it is currently running at which will vary as you accelerate through the gears.
 

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