Trying to Calculate The Minimum Force For Skateboard.

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the minimum force and torque required to move a 180 lb electric skateboard using four polyurethane wheels. Key factors include the coefficient of friction for polyurethane, rolling friction equations, gravity, normal force, and the total weight of the system. The importance of considering motor losses and applying a conservative safety factor is emphasized, as friction can vary due to ground conditions and potential slopes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rolling friction equations
  • Knowledge of coefficients of friction for polyurethane materials
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as gravity and normal force
  • Awareness of motor efficiency and losses in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the coefficient of friction for polyurethane wheels
  • Learn about rolling friction calculations and their applications
  • Investigate motor selection criteria for electric skateboards
  • Explore methods for calculating torque requirements for wheeled vehicles
USEFUL FOR

Electric skateboard builders, mechanical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in the design and optimization of wheeled electric vehicles.

chuttney1
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I'm building an electric skateboard. I am trying to calculate the bare minimum force and torque to move a 180 lb object on 4 polyurethane wheels from standstill for motor selection. I got lost in finding the coefficient of friction for polyurethane wheels and whether I am using the equation for rolling friction or the standard model used in schools of a big block with mass moving across a floor with no wheels.

Things I know I have to take into account are gravity, normal force, total weight of the whole system, force on each wheel, coefficient of friction and wheel size to find force and torque. Wind resistance is negligible.

Much help appreciated.
 
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Rolling friction is the important quantity, together with friction at the wheel axle. Plus motor losses, those won't be negligible.

Don't forget a conservative safety factor as friction can increase, the ground can have some slope, wind might be relevant, and so on.
 

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