Traction Force simplification, what variables?

[baodz]

I am building a very simple car game, and was trying to come up with some attributes for car part upgrades. I've come to the assumption that every suspension part, including but not limited to: shocks/springs/tires, contributes to the traction that the vehicle has. (springs/shocks contribute in the way of keeping the tire on the ground through body roll, dives and squats, and irregularities in the road).

I wanted to create a very SIMPLE model, something that I could use so I could just plug in some numbers for my car parts. What I have so far is thus:

three variables for car traction:
mu = the coefficient of friction of what tire is on the car (better tires will have a higher coefficient

downforce lbs = force pushing down on the car as a result of air moving over it at speed

contact patch = the area of the contact patch of the tire. wider tires will have more of a contact patch, meaning more traction

My goal is to try and CREATE a simple equation using these three variables ONLY, to represent how much traction a car will have at certain points in moving. Now, I know there are many many more variables to traction, but all I'm trying to do is a simple simulation in a flash game. For instance, if I buy a new set of tires that are wider and have a higher coefficient of friction, I will have a higher value for my Traction Force.

Also, what is the unit of Traction?

 

[russ_watters]

It is just force in Newtons.

 

[charng]

I would say that your approach to simplifying traction force is a good start, but there are definitely other variables that should be considered in order to create a more accurate model. Some additional factors that could affect traction include the weight distribution of the car, the type of road surface, and the temperature and humidity of the environment.

In terms of your three chosen variables, the coefficient of friction is certainly an important factor in determining traction, as it represents the grip between the tire and the road surface. However, it is also important to consider the type of tire (e.g. all-season vs. performance) and the condition of the tire (e.g. tread depth, wear and tear).

The downforce lbs variable is also a valid consideration, as it represents the force pushing down on the car and increasing the traction. However, it is important to note that this force can vary depending on the speed and aerodynamics of the car.

The contact patch is another important factor, as it represents the area of the tire in contact with the road surface. However, other factors such as tire pressure and alignment can also affect the size and shape of the contact patch.

In terms of units, traction force is typically measured in Newtons (N) or pounds (lbs), but it can also be represented as a coefficient of friction (unitless).

Overall, while your simplified model may work for a basic car game, it is important to acknowledge that there are many other variables that can affect traction and a more comprehensive model would be needed for a more accurate simulation.