Friction, physics, and racing

Thad · 05-20-2001, 09:02 AM

Well from what i understood of physics a drag car is using friction to it's advantage. without friction we would be spinning our tires to the max rpm of the engine without going anywhere. That's where the rubber comes in. The rubber is used to oppose the rotation of the engine. And how much it opposes depends on its friction coefitient. You have to remember that friction is not the only force being used in drag racing. rpm's or rotation, speed, weight, friction, etc..
So if you have a 10" wide super sticky slick you in turn get a bigger area of contact to work against the engine and the u of friction is greater. And if you have a 5" hard tire you have less contact and u of friction. I think i'm starting to lose myself so i'm going to stop here. i hope i didn't confuse you more cause i am. Good luck!

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90 LX 5.0 ,bored 302, MSD 6AL, Twisted Wedge TrickFlo HDs, World class T5, BBK fender cold air induct., 70mm TB,Edelbrock performer Intake, aluminum Drve shaft, 3.55 Gears, Long Tube Headers to Flowmasters.

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05-20-2001, 09:02 AM	#1
Thad Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Stuart, FL US Posts: 192	Well from what i understood of physics a drag car is using friction to it's advantage. without friction we would be spinning our tires to the max rpm of the engine without going anywhere. That's where the rubber comes in. The rubber is used to oppose the rotation of the engine. And how much it opposes depends on its friction coefitient. You have to remember that friction is not the only force being used in drag racing. rpm's or rotation, speed, weight, friction, etc.. So if you have a 10" wide super sticky slick you in turn get a bigger area of contact to work against the engine and the u of friction is greater. And if you have a 5" hard tire you have less contact and u of friction. I think i'm starting to lose myself so i'm going to stop here. i hope i didn't confuse you more cause i am. Good luck! ------------------ 90 LX 5.0 ,bored 302, MSD 6AL, Twisted Wedge TrickFlo HDs, World class T5, BBK fender cold air induct., 70mm TB,Edelbrock performer Intake, aluminum Drve shaft, 3.55 Gears, Long Tube Headers to Flowmasters.