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Loren Booda
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Do most wrecks in automobile racing start at the singularities of the track - e.g., where the straight path becomes circular? Might this likewise be true of road driving?
Loren Booda said:Any deviation from linear motion to curvilinear motion involves a singularity of acceleration impracticable for actual driving.
How exactly would that look? Would the cars go straight instead of turning? In that case, I'd have to say almost none.Loren Booda said:Do most wrecks in automobile racing start at the singularities of the track - e.g., where the straight path becomes circular? Might this likewise be true of road driving?
Office_Shredder said:So are you suggesting that cars can't actually turn?
russ_watters said:How exactly would that look? Would the cars go straight instead of turning? In that case, I'd have to say almost none.
S_Happens said:I think you're just looking at this like a version of Zeno's paradox.
In reality, there is a finite change in acceleration in a finite amount of time. You can probably also consider that even though you could make the track go directly from straight to perfectly semi-circular, the track itself is wider than the cars traveling on it, so the cars would not have to be able to navigate this "singularity." Surely you can also imagine that in order to transition from straight to circular, the cars must travel in a non circular path for a finite distance.
I think the singularity does not exist.
It seems fairly obvious to me that that isn't true. I think you're confusing the concepts of jerk and acceleration. Jerk is a rapid change in acceleration and if a racetrack were to have a straight with a circular curve attached, there would be a step change in acceleration from zero to the acceleration of the curve. That's infinite jerk, but it is not "a region of intensified acceleration".Loren Booda said:I am saying that either a car which maintains a straight trajectory, or one which maintains a circular (generally, elliptical and banked) trajectory, has better traction than it would at a transition point between the two.
The singularity might be "smeared out" from straightaway to circle (or vice versa) by the track design, but would still suffer a region of intensified acceleration.[emphasis added]
Very good point - the actual shape of the track isn't really relvant as drivers will cut their own curves.AlephZero said:For race tracks, you need to consider the "racing line" round the corner, not the geometrical shape of the track.
Loren Booda said:Do most wrecks in automobile racing start at the singularities of the track - e.g., where the straight path becomes circular?
Loren Booda said:No, I'm saying that cars cannot negotiate a singularity of acceleration.
A racing track singularity refers to a specific type of accident that occurs on a race track where a car loses control and crashes into a barrier or another car. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, or track conditions.
The frequency of wrecks caused by racing track singularities varies depending on the specific race track and level of competition. However, these types of accidents are not uncommon in the world of racing and can occur in both professional and amateur races.
Some potential causes of racing track singularities include driver error, such as losing control of the car or making a mistake in judgment, mechanical failure, such as a tire blowout or engine malfunction, and track conditions, such as wet or slippery surfaces.
Preventing racing track singularities involves a combination of factors, including proper driver training, regular maintenance and inspection of race cars, and ensuring safe track conditions. Additionally, implementing safety measures such as barriers, safety walls, and safety gear for drivers can help reduce the risk of accidents.
The consequences of racing track singularities can vary depending on the severity of the accident. In some cases, the driver and any passengers may sustain injuries or even fatalities. The race car and any other vehicles involved may also sustain significant damage. These accidents can also have financial and legal implications for the drivers, teams, and race organizers.