Relating variables: weight, gear ratio, power/torque to make design estimations

[brent s]

hey all, I'm stumped so I thought I'd try posting here.
I am in the early stages of design of a vehicle where we have a rough approximation of weight, no idea what gear ratios or power/torque to use yet, but have an acceleration requirement. I am trying to graphically model the relationship between some of these parameters to help get some design drivers. Any idea how I could proceed? Thanks!

 

[brent s]

I should mention, nothing needs to even be close to exact, I just want some rough correlations plotted to compare different design alternatives. Thanks again!

 

[jack action]

You can used this acceleration simulator. It gives you the acceleration potential of a vehicle based on power, weight and tire friction coefficient. It can be more precise if you know other vehicle characteristics like aerodynamics, weight distribution, etc. The theory behind it is explained on the website.

 

[brent s]

Oh man. That's everything I wanted and then some.

 

[alphy]

I would recommend starting by defining the specific goals and requirements for the vehicle design. This will help determine which variables are most important to consider and how they should be related to each other.

Next, I would suggest conducting research on similar vehicle designs and their performance characteristics. This can provide a baseline for understanding the relationship between weight, gear ratio, and power/torque.

From there, you could create mathematical models or use simulation software to explore different combinations of these variables and their effects on acceleration. This can help identify potential design drivers and inform your decision-making process.

It may also be helpful to consult with experts in the field, such as engineers or automotive specialists, for their insights and expertise on this topic.

Overall, it is important to approach this task with a systematic and analytical mindset, gathering as much information as possible to make informed design estimations. Good luck with your project!