Relating variables: weight, gear ratio, power/torque to make design estimations

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a vehicle, focusing on the relationships between weight, gear ratios, power, and torque in order to meet specific acceleration requirements. Participants explore methods for graphically modeling these parameters to aid in design estimations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to model the relationships between weight, gear ratios, and power/torque for vehicle design.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the goal is to create rough correlations rather than precise calculations for comparing design alternatives.
  • A suggestion is made to use an acceleration simulator that calculates a vehicle's acceleration potential based on power, weight, and tire friction coefficient, noting that additional vehicle characteristics could enhance accuracy.
  • A later reply indicates enthusiasm for the suggested simulator, implying it meets the initial participant's needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the need for rough correlations in vehicle design, but there is no consensus on specific methodologies or parameters to be used.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed definitions of key terms such as gear ratios and torque, and there are no resolved mathematical steps provided for the proposed modeling approaches.

brent s
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
hey all, I'm stumped so I thought I'd try posting here.
I am in the early stages of design of a vehicle where we have a rough approximation of weight, no idea what gear ratios or power/torque to use yet, but have an acceleration requirement. I am trying to graphically model the relationship between some of these parameters to help get some design drivers. Any idea how I could proceed? Thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I should mention, nothing needs to even be close to exact, I just want some rough correlations plotted to compare different design alternatives. Thanks again!
 
You can used this acceleration simulator. It gives you the acceleration potential of a vehicle based on power, weight and tire friction coefficient. It can be more precise if you know other vehicle characteristics like aerodynamics, weight distribution, etc. The theory behind it is explained on the website.
 
Oh man. That's everything I wanted and then some.
 

Similar threads

How can I design a gear train to meet specific torque and RPM requirements?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
How do I select the right motor and gear ratio for a mid-drive e-Bike?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Calculating gear ratio from the motor's graph for an EV?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Automotive What Gear Ratio Is Needed for a 30-40 km/h Electric Longboard?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Automotive Poor Man's Hydrostatic drive: power steering pump as motor?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Gear Ratios and Constant Power/Torque: find max velocity?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Speedometer worm gear ratio changes
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Calculate Top Speed of Car Using Gear Ratio, Torque, Power & RPM
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Gear Ratios to Gear Tooth Count
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
17K
Microstepping, Gearing, and Torque
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K