Prop Shaft load parked on a grade

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on calculating the torque on a driveshaft for an 8-ton vehicle parked on a 16% grade. Participants explore the implications of different axle ratios, tire sizes, and unit conversions in their calculations. The conversation includes both theoretical and practical aspects of torque in automotive contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the formula for force acting at the rear tires as ##F_w = W\sin\theta##, where ##W## is the vehicle weight and ##\theta## is the slope angle.
  • Wheel torque is calculated as ##T_w = F_w r##, with ##r## being the tire radius, and the driveshaft torque is derived from the gear ratio as ##T_d = \frac{T_w}{GR}##.
  • One participant calculates the torque to be 572 lb.ft based on a weight of 16,000 lbs and a 7:1 axle ratio.
  • Another participant, using SI units, calculates a different torque of 1305.1 ft.lbs, highlighting discrepancies due to different assumptions about weight and tire radius.
  • Discussions arise regarding the definitions of ton and tonne, with participants noting variations in weight measurements across different regions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations, leading to multiple competing results for the torque on the driveshaft. There is no consensus on a single correct value, as participants use different units and assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Discrepancies in calculations arise from variations in the definitions of weight units (short ton vs. tonne), tire radius, and gravitational force assumptions. The discussion reflects the complexity of unit conversions and their impact on torque calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for automotive engineers, physics students, or anyone interested in the mechanics of vehicles and torque calculations in varying conditions.

JGM
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What would the torque on a driveshaft be for a 8 ton vehicle in park on a 16% grade? Tire radius is 19". Axle ratio it 7.1.
 
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JGM said:
What would the torque on a driveshaft be for a 8 ton vehicle in park on a 16% grade? Tire radius is 19". Axle ratio it 7.1.
Welcome to the PF.

Is this question for schoolwork? What is the context of the question?
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

Is this question for schoolwork? What is the context of the question?
Trying to determine the loads on an output shaft of a transmission when parked on a grade with different axle ratios. Not for school work. Just general knowledge.
 
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If the rear wheels support the entire load caused by the slope, the force acting at the rear tires is ##F_w = W\sin\theta##, where ##W## is the weight of the vehicle and ##\theta## is the angle of the slope (reference). ##100\tan\theta = \%slope## to find the angle of the slope (reference).

The wheel torque produced is ##T_w = F_w r##, where ##r## is the tire radius.

The gear ratio reduces the torque seen by the driveshaft, so ##T_d = \frac{T_w}{GR}##, where ##GR## is the axle gear ratio.

##\theta = \arctan\frac{16}{100} = 9.1°##

##F_w = (16000\ lb)\sin9.1° = 2530\ lb##

##T_w = (2530.5\ lb) * (1.583\ ft) = 4006\ lb.ft##

##T_d = \frac{4006\ lb.ft}{7} = 572\ lb.ft##
 
jack action said:
If the rear wheels support the entire load caused by the slope, the force acting at the rear tires is ##F_w = W\sin\theta##, where ##W## is the weight of the vehicle and ##\theta## is the angle of the slope (reference). ##100\tan\theta = \%slope## to find the angle of the slope (reference).

The wheel torque produced is ##T_w = F_w r##, where ##r## is the tire radius.

The gear ratio reduces the torque seen by the driveshaft, so ##T_d = \frac{T_w}{GR}##, where ##GR## is the axle gear ratio.

##\theta = \arctan\frac{16}{100} = 9.1°##

##F_w = (16000\ lb)\sin9.1° = 2530\ lb##

##T_w = (2530.5\ lb) * (1.583\ ft) = 4006\ lb.ft##

##T_d = \frac{4006\ lb.ft}{7} = 572\ lb.ft##

Shouldn't this include the acceleration of gravity?
F_w = 16000 Lbs* 32.174 ft/s2
 
JGM said:
Shouldn't this include the acceleration of gravity?
F_w = 16000 Lbs* 32.174 ft/s2
pounds is a unit for weight not mass, already includes gravity.
 
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I used SI units.
Mass = 8000 kg.
Force due to gravity = 8000 * 9.8 = 78400 Newton.
Wheel radius is 39” = conveniently 1 metre.
16% grade = 9.09 deg; Sin(9.09°) = 0.158
7:1 axle ratio.
Drive shaft torque = 1m * 78400N * 0.158 / 7 = 1769.5 Nm
1769.5 Nm = 1305.1 ft.lbs
This is quite different to jack action's 572. ft.lb
 
Last edited:
Baluncore said:
I used SI units.
Mass = 8000 kg.
Force due to gravity = 8000 * 9.8 = 78400 Newton.
Wheel radius is 39” = conveniently 1 metre.
16% grade = 9.09 deg; Sin(9.09°) = 0.158
7:1 axle ratio.
Drive shaft torque = 1m * 78400N * 0.158 / 7 = 1769.5 Nm
1769.5 Nm = 1305.1 ft.lbs
This is quite different to jack action's 572. ft.lb
That is because we don't use the same numbers:
  • I use 1 ton = 2000 lb and you use 1 tonne = 1000 kg;
  • I use a wheel radius of 19" and you use a wheel radius of 39".
Other than that, everything is the same!:smile:
 
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Fixing the radius to 19” and using a mass of 8 Short Tons.
Mass 8 short ton = 7257.5 kg.
Force due to gravity = 7257.5 * 9.8 = 71123.5 Newton.
Wheel radius is 19” = inconveniently 0.4826 metre.
16% grade = 9.09 deg; Sin(9.09°) = 0.158
7:1 axle ratio.
Drive shaft torque = 0.4826 * 71123.5 * 0.158 / 7 = 774.75 Nm
774.75 Nm = 571.5 ft.lbs
We agree.

In Australia the standard Ton was a Long Ton = 1016.05 kg = 2240 lbs.
In 1966 that was replaced by the metric Tonne = 1000 kg = 2205 lbs.

Are vehicle weights in the USA always specified in Short Tons = 907.18 kg = 2000 lbs ?
 
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Baluncore said:
Are vehicle weights in the USA always specified in Short Tons = 907.18 kg = 2000 lbs ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_ton

I'm in Canada and a ton has always been 2000 lb around here. But we're with the SI system as well, so this is not a usual unit for us nowadays (unless we have to do business with our neighbor).

As for truck classification, it is done in pounds, so no problem there:

xskssrdsi0vac40ao6ij.jpg
 
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