Two cars turning into a corner.

In summary, the debate was about which car would have a faster cornering time given the same speed, weight, and path, but with different wheel sizes (15 vs. 17 inches). The conclusion was that on a smooth surface, the car with larger wheels would have better traction and a more consistent contact patch, thus cornering faster. On an uneven surface, the car with smaller wheels would be more adept at deforming to match the contours, leading to a faster cornering time. However, this is assuming that the vehicle is properly designed and set up for the given conditions.
  • #1
Deep2107
1
0
Okay so my friends and I had a debate on a topic which was regarding the cornering of the car.
So the situation is this
The two cars are the same, and the corner they turn into is the same. Considering that the two cars follow the same line in taking the turn, which car would come out in a faster time given that only the size of the wheel (15, 17 inch) . The speed that the car turns in is the same, the overall weight is the same, the line the car turns in is the same.
So is it true that the car with bigger tyres will take less time to come out of the bend.
No external forces are acting on the car except downward force.
A hypothetical scenario. Please explain! Thanks
 
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  • #2
If the speed is the same, and they follow the same path, then how can there be any difference in cornering time?
 
  • #3
Deep2107 said:
Okay so my friends and I had a debate on a topic which was regarding the cornering of the car.
So the situation is this
The two cars are the same, and the corner they turn into is the same. Considering that the two cars follow the same line in taking the turn, which car would come out in a faster time given that only the size of the wheel (15, 17 inch) . The speed that the car turns in is the same, the overall weight is the same, the line the car turns in is the same.
So is it true that the car with bigger tyres will take less time to come out of the bend.
No external forces are acting on the car except downward force.
A hypothetical scenario. Please explain! Thanks
I agree with Drakkith. Incidentally, there is a second external force on the car - centripetal force acting towards the centre of the curve.
 
  • #4
Depends on the surface.

Assuming identical vehicles the overall diameter of the wheels must be the same, therefore, the car with the larger wheels will have lower aspect ratio tires. On a smooth surface the lower aspect ratio tires will deform less, therefore they will have more a more consistent contact patch with the road. Assuming the car / suspension was properly designed to begin with a more consistent contact patch will stay closer to optimum then a less consistent patch. Therefore, the car with the larger wheels will have better traction have have to slow down less for the corner.

On an uneven surface, such as off road, you want the tire to be able to deform to match the contours of the surface. The lower aspect ratio tires associated with the smaller wheels will have more room to deform. This will only occur if the pressure is low enough to allow significant deformation, but again, I am assuming the vehicle is set up properly.

So assuming the vehicle is set up properly for the wheels and surface condition, the larger wheels/thinner tires will corner better on a smooth surface, the smaller wheels/thicker tires will corner better on an uneven surface.
 

Related to Two cars turning into a corner.

1. How do two cars turn into a corner?

When turning into a corner, the driver of the first car should begin by slowing down and positioning their vehicle towards the outer edge of the turn. The second car should follow closely behind and also position their vehicle towards the outer edge of the turn. As both cars approach the corner, the first car should make the turn while the second car follows closely behind, mimicking the same path.

2. What is the best way for two cars to turn into a corner?

The best way for two cars to turn into a corner is by using the "outside-inside-outside" technique. This means that both cars should start the turn on the outer edge, then gradually move towards the inner edge of the turn, and finally return to the outer edge as they exit the turn.

3. How should the speed of the cars be adjusted when turning into a corner?

The speed of the cars should be adjusted according to the sharpness of the turn. As a general rule, the cars should slow down before entering the turn and gradually accelerate as they exit the turn. It is important to maintain a safe and consistent speed throughout the turn to avoid losing control of the vehicles.

4. What should be the distance between two cars when turning into a corner?

The ideal distance between two cars when turning into a corner is one car length. This allows for enough space for the second car to follow the path of the first car without getting too close. However, the distance may vary depending on the speed and size of the vehicles, as well as the sharpness of the turn.

5. How can two cars avoid colliding when turning into a corner?

To avoid colliding when turning into a corner, both drivers should communicate and coordinate their movements. This can be done through hand signals, radio communication, or by simply following the path and speed of the first car. It is also important for both drivers to be aware of their surroundings and adjust their speed and distance accordingly.

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