What is the degree of maximum g-force in a car's turn?

In summary: If the max cornering force is 1g, then it can handle a cent. accel of 9.8m/s^2. (assuming its a flat track)a=v^2/R , so 9.8=v^2/R which are both constant, and have to be since you said a constant R and V.If R or V were not constant, I could give you a force as a function of angle in the turn. But driving in a circle at a constant speed gives a constant centripetal acceleration, and so unless V or R are variables of the angle, there is no solution.If you're thinking of nascar or something, they try to corner in such a way
  • #1
JimEd
46
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I am interested in a car's transition from zero cornering force (just before entering a corner) to maximum cornering force (somewhere in the corner). In particular, I would like to know how far into the corner it takes (in degrees) for this transition to happen.

Assume a car is capable of making a 180 degree turn at a certain constant velocity and radius at 1g. The car is going down a long straight at this same constant velocity (not accelerating or braking) and then enters said turn. How many degrees into the turn will the car go before it gets to it's 1g cornering maximum?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
If the max cornering force is 1g, then it can handle a cent. accel of 9.8m/s^2. (assuming its a flat track)

a=v^2/R , so 9.8=v^2/R which are both constant, and have to be since you said a constant R and V.

If R or V were not constant, I could give you a force as a function of angle in the turn. But driving in a circle at a constant speed gives a constant centripetal acceleration, and so unless V or R are variables of the angle, there is no solution.

If you're thinking of nascar or something, they try to corner in such a way that it minimizes time - a balance of speed and path length.
I believe they are at the maximum force when their speed is lowest in the turn.
 
  • #3
Assuming the goal is to achieve maximum cornering acceleration as soon as possible (versus best racing line through a turn), the transition time mostly depends on how stiff the suspension and tires are. It's probably less than 1 second for a race car, but if you need a more accurate time, you'd probably need to watch a slow motion video of a race car that includes telemetry data, at least elapsed time and lateral acceleration.
 
  • #4
Thanks.
 
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  • #5
Thanks.
 
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Related to What is the degree of maximum g-force in a car's turn?

1. How is maximum g-force related to the degree of a turn?

The degree of a turn directly affects the maximum g-force experienced by a car. The higher the degree of the turn, the higher the g-force will be.

2. Is there a specific degree at which a car experiences maximum g-force?

There is no specific degree at which a car experiences maximum g-force. The g-force experienced depends on various factors such as the speed of the car, the type of tires, and the road conditions.

3. How do you calculate the maximum g-force of a car in a turn?

The maximum g-force of a car in a turn can be calculated by using the formula g = v²/r, where g is the maximum g-force, v is the velocity of the car, and r is the radius of the turn. This formula assumes a perfect circular turn with no other external forces.

4. Can the maximum g-force of a car be exceeded in a turn?

Yes, the maximum g-force of a car can be exceeded in a turn. This can happen if there are other external forces acting on the car, such as wind or uneven road surfaces.

5. How does the weight of a car affect the maximum g-force in a turn?

The weight of a car does not directly affect the maximum g-force in a turn. However, a heavier car may experience more resistance and require more force to make the turn, which can indirectly affect the maximum g-force experienced.

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