Hortizontal acceleration of a motorcycle

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of horizontal acceleration needed to make the front wheel of a motorcycle rise off the ground. This involves considering the torque created by gravity and the torque created by the wheels pushing on the ground. By setting these two torques equal to each other, a formula is derived to calculate the necessary acceleration. The final formula involves the gravity, distance from the center of mass to the back wheel, and the height of the center of mass.
  • #1
BananaRed
7
0
I have trouble starting on this problem can someone please help me?

The distance between the centers of the wheels of a motorcycle is 155cm. The center of mass of the motorcycle, including the biker, is 88.0 cm above the ground and halfway between the wheels. Assume the mass of each wheel is small compared to the body of the motorcycle. The engine drives the rear wheel only. What horizontal acceleration of the motorcycle will make the front wheel rise off the ground?
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
 
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  • #2
Not only is the driving force of the wheel providing horizontal acceleration, it's also providing torque. Calculate the torque necessary to life the bike off the ground and go from there.

cookiemonster
 
  • #3
Hey man I asked exactly the same questions a little while back.
Just go back and check the titles.
I think I called it wheelies?
something like that
But yes it has to do with the torque of horizontal acceleration and the torque of the weight of the bike.
 
  • #4
What you have to do is compare the moment created from gravity with the moment created from the wheels pushing on the ground. For a moment, the force must be perpendicular to the distance. The moment created by the wheels must equal the moment created by gravity. Now write a formula for the moment at each of those (since you don't want to deal with both at the same time).

First take the moment around where the wheel touches the ground. Since gravity acts straight down, we need the horizontal distance from the centre of mass to the centre of the back wheel.
Now take the moment around the centre of mass. Since the force on the ground from the wheels is horizontal, we need the vertical distance.
Since the sum of them is 0, they are both equal.

[tex]mgd = Fh[/tex]

start subbing in other variables

[tex]mgd = mah[/tex]

mass is both sides so let's just forget it

[tex]gd = ah[/tex]

isolate a (acceleration)

[tex]a = \frac{gd}{h}[/tex]

g is gravity (9.8 m/s^2), d is distance from centre of mass to the back wheel (0.775m), and h is the height of the centre of mass (0.88m)

[tex]a = \frac{(9.8)(0.775)}{0.88}[/tex]

[tex]a = 8.63 \frac{m}{s^2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

Related to Hortizontal acceleration of a motorcycle

What is hortizontal acceleration?

Horizontal acceleration refers to the change in velocity of an object in the horizontal direction. In the context of a motorcycle, it is the change in speed or direction of the motorcycle as it moves horizontally.

How is hortizontal acceleration measured?

Hortizontal acceleration is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s²) or in miles per hour per second (mph/s). It can be measured using a variety of methods such as using a GPS device, a speedometer, or an accelerometer.

What factors affect the hortizontal acceleration of a motorcycle?

The hortizontal acceleration of a motorcycle can be affected by a number of factors, including the engine power, weight of the motorcycle, tire traction, road conditions, and air resistance. Other factors such as the rider's technique and body position can also have an impact on the hortizontal acceleration.

How does hortizontal acceleration differ from vertical acceleration?

While hortizontal acceleration refers to the change in velocity in the horizontal direction, vertical acceleration refers to the change in velocity in the vertical direction. In the context of a motorcycle, vertical acceleration is affected by factors such as gravity, weight distribution, and suspension.

Why is hortizontal acceleration important in motorcycle racing?

Hortizontal acceleration plays a crucial role in motorcycle racing as it determines the speed and maneuverability of the motorcycle. Riders must have a good understanding of hortizontal acceleration to effectively navigate through corners and achieve faster lap times. It also helps riders maintain control and stability of the motorcycle while racing at high speeds.

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