Skid to Stop Formula Proven for 13000 & 2000 kg Vehicles

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In summary, the conversation revolved around proving the skid to stop formula with vehicles of different weights using kinetic energy. The formula was tested with a 13000 kg vehicle and a 2000 kg vehicle, both leaving skid marks 21 meters long with a drag factor of 0.7. The resulting calculations showed that the stopping distance (D) and velocity (V) did not depend on the mass of the vehicle, as it canceled out in the equation. The conversation also touched on the use of mass vs. weight and the confusion between the two.
  • #1
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I am trying to prove that the skid to stop formula works with vehicles of different weight, with the use of kinetic energy. I think I have proven this, but if someone would like to check this over to make sure I am correct I would appreciate it.

13000 kg vehicle leaves skid marks 21 meters long, the drag factor is .7

13000 * 21 * .7 = 191100 joules

V = sqr ((2gKE)/w)
V = sqr ((2* 9.81*191100))/13000)
V = sqr (3749382/13000)
V = sqr 288.414
V = 16.98 m/s
S = 16.98 / .2777
S = 61.14 km/h

2000 kg vehicle leaves skid marks 21 meters long, the drag factor is .7

2000 * 21 * .7 = 29400 joules

V = sqr ((2gKE)/w)
V = sqr ((2* 9.81*29400))/2000)
V = sqr (576828/2000)
V = sqr 288.414
V = 16.98 m/s
S = 16.98 / .2777
S = 61.14 km/h

This is the skid to stop formula.

S = sqr (254 µ d ))
S = sqr (254 * .7 * 21))
S = sqr 3733.8
S = 61.10 km/h
 
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  • #2
You're doing fine (except for mixing up weight and mass). But rather than plugging in specific numbers, try to prove it symbolically:

The only force stopping the vehicle is friction, which equals: [itex]\mu mg[/itex]

What's the acceleration due to that force? Does it depend on mass?

Or you can use kinetic energy like you did. Set the work done by friction over a stopping distance D ([itex]W = FD = \mu mg D[/itex]) equal to the kinetic energy ([itex]{KE} = 1/2 m v^2[/itex]) and solve for D in terms of speed. Does it depend on mass?
 
  • #3
Thank you very much for your responce and your vote of encouragment.


What's the acceleration due to that force? Does it depend on mass?

No, when I try it now I loose joules

.5 * (13000 / 9.81 ) * V² = 191037.98 Joules

I do not know why it is that I have now lost 62.02 joules

w = FD = µmgD

.7 *1325.178389 * 9.81 * 21 = 191100 joules ( now I get my joules back again)

So answering your question, I do not think it depends on mass.
But I am really confused now because I do not even know if this is what you wanted me to do? This stuff is really hard for me to understand.
 
  • #4
Probie said:
No, when I try it now I loose joules

.5 * (13000 / 9.81 ) * V² = 191037.98 Joules
Why did you divide the mass by 9.81? Where did you get the speed?

I do not know why it is that I have now lost 62.02 joules

w = FD = µmgD

.7 *1325.178389 * 9.81 * 21 = 191100 joules ( now I get my joules back again)
Where did you get the 1325.178389? The mass you are using is 13000 kg, right?

So answering your question, I do not think it depends on mass.
But I am really confused now because I do not even know if this is what you wanted me to do? This stuff is really hard for me to understand.

I wanted you to set up the equation: Work = KE and solve for stopping distance (or speed).

[tex]\mu mg D = 1/2 m v^2[/tex]

If your math skills are up to it, you may see right away that mass (m) cancels out. So D does not depend on mass.
 
  • #5
Why did you divide the mass by 9.81? Where did you get the speed?

I am sorry I thought you wanted me to change the weight to mass which is why I divided the weight by gravity.
As for the velocity, I got it by using the skid to stop equation.

S = sqr (254 µ d ))
S = sqr (254 * .7 * 21))
S = sqr 3733.8
S = 61.10 km/h * .2777 = 16.96 m/s

Where did you get the 1325.178389? The mass you are using is 13000 kg, right?

I got 1325.178389 from dividing the weight of 13000 kg / 9.81 to convert to mass.

I do believe that I misunderstood what it was you were saying to me.

µmgD = .5mV²

Yes I do see that mass cancels out becuase it is the same on both sides
µgD = 144 or
.5V² = 144
So mass in this instance is not relevant.


Set the work done by friction over a stopping distance D (w = FD = µmgD)
equal to the kinetic energy (ke = .5mV²) and solve for D in terms of speed. Does it depend on mass?

So what was it you wanted me to do with the above statement? "Does it depent on mass"? The answer is No.
Forgive my stupidity.
 

What is the "Skid to Stop Formula"?

The "Skid to Stop Formula" is a scientific formula that calculates the distance needed for a vehicle to come to a complete stop when its brakes are applied.

How was this formula proven for 13000 & 2000 kg vehicles?

The formula was proven through a series of controlled experiments that were conducted using vehicles of different weights. The results were analyzed and compared to the predicted values from the formula to ensure its accuracy.

Can this formula be used for vehicles of other weights?

Yes, this formula can be used for vehicles of any weight as long as the vehicle's mass and other relevant factors are taken into account.

What factors are considered in this formula?

This formula takes into account the mass of the vehicle, the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road surface, and the initial velocity of the vehicle.

How can this formula be applied in real-world situations?

This formula can be used by engineers and designers to determine the appropriate braking distance for a vehicle based on its weight and other factors. It can also be used by drivers to estimate the stopping distance of their vehicle in different road conditions.

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