Rotating mass in vehicle drivetrain ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating power loss in a vehicle's drivetrain, specifically from the motor to the wheels. Key factors include losses from the drive shaft, transmission, friction from tires, and external conditions such as speed and incline. Participants suggest measuring fuel consumption and acceleration to derive a formula that accounts for energy loss, utilizing known energy densities and vehicle mass. A spreadsheet can be employed to analyze data and identify a suitable formula for power loss.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vehicle dynamics and drivetrain components
  • Knowledge of energy density of fuels, specifically gasoline
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts related to kinetic energy
  • Proficiency in using spreadsheet software for data analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for measuring fuel consumption in vehicles
  • Learn about calculating kinetic energy in moving vehicles
  • Explore the impact of different drivetrain components on power loss
  • Investigate how environmental factors affect vehicle performance
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, vehicle performance analysts, and anyone interested in optimizing drivetrain efficiency and understanding power loss in vehicles.

jgoff14
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I need help coming up with a formula for the following: If you have a source of power like from a motor that is coupled to a drivetrain such as what you would find in a car then what would be required to determine how much power is lost to the system? Not talking about basic physics with no external forces... ie calculating power loss from the motor to the wheel taking into account losses for the drive shaft, transmission, the fact that they are rotating, friction the rubber of the tire as it is in contact with the surface... I have access to all the information I need variable wise, just need help with the formula. Thanks all.
 
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There are so many factors that you will invariably miss a few. 1 good way to do this would be...

Set up software and/or hardware to measure fuel consumption and acceleration. The energy density of gasoline is known (google it), the acceleration along with the mass of the vehicle will tell you how much of the energy makes it into the k.e. of the vehicle. The difference between the 2 is the waste. It will be different at different speeds, throttle openings, inclines, air temperatures, etc. Plug all your data into a spread sheet and find a formula that matches.
 
Thanks I really have nothing better to do so I will get on it! lol
 

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