Rotational weight vs. dead weight

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    Rotational Weight
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between rotational weight and dead weight, specifically in the context of vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. Participants agree that while the mass of a rotating wheel and a stationary wheel remains constant, the moment of inertia plays a crucial role in determining the impact on miles per gallon (mpg). A heavier dead weight increases the moment of inertia, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency due to the additional work required to achieve angular velocity. Thus, larger wheels may negatively affect mpg due to their increased moment of inertia.

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  • Understanding of moment of inertia
  • Basic principles of physics related to mass and acceleration
  • Knowledge of vehicle dynamics
  • Familiarity with fuel efficiency concepts
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johnnyphaze
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I am not sure if I am in the right section, but here goes my question.

Can anyone explain to me which one would be heavier. A rotating wheel or a wheel that is just sitting there?
 
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Why would you think there would be a difference?
 
well the main debate is "will bigger wheels cause my mpg to go down?"

my answer was is that at a constant rate it would actually increase.


a buddy of mine puts his 2 cents in and states that rotating mass is a lot heavier than dead weight. i am just trying to make logic of that.
 
The answer to you first question is that both still have the same mass.

To answer your "will bigger wheels cause my mpg to go down?" question, you would have to consider the moment of inertia of the wheel and work done.

~H
 
The weight of a mass is the same whether rotating or not.
 
The car not only needs tp propel the "dead weight" of the wheels, but also must generate an angular velocity and acceleration of the wheels, which is determined by calculating the mass moment of inertia. so a heavier "dead weight" would increase the moment of inertia, lowering gas mileage.
 

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