Physics Or Dynamics Experts Only Please

FastDriver

I was uncomfortably high & wearing a helmet
SN Certified Technician
Sep 5, 2001
6,201
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Vass, NC
Guys, I've been tinkering on an excel based drag strip model for years that estimates 1/4 mile ET and trap speed based on a lot of factors. I have continuously evolved the model and made it more complex and hence more accurate as time has gone on, and now I want to add something that is complicated for me. I can't figure out how to do subscript and superscript in this forum so here's a link to a place that you can see the equations I used:

General Physics Forum

And by the way, here's an example of the models results compared to a recent trip to the drag strip in my car. The actual run was a
60': 2.24
1/4 ET: 13.35
1/4 Trap: 105.49

All of the highlighted cells are inputs. The Bore & Stroke vs. displacement calculator is just an unrelated tool that I added into this spreadsheet. The first tab allows you to set the gear ratios and shift points. The 2nd tab allows you to input factors relating to weight, mass, aerodynamics, shift time, expected 60' time, and average torque output in each gear. I'm beginning to fiddle with mass moments of inertia, and I don't think it's having the effect it should. I've always hear that 10lbs of rotating mass = 100lbs of regular mass = 10hp = .1 second = 1mph trap speed. However, reducing 10 lbs from my front wheel mass is only impacting the outcome by around [email protected]. Seems like it should be more.

So, if you're interested in this stuff and good at calculating dynamics or physical formulas, please take a look at the link.

Thanks,

Chris

gears.webp Results.webp
 
Yeah, it seems like the physics forum is the wrong place to ask, too. Either they're stumped or uninterested.

Anyway, I've reviewed my work a few times, and I think I've got things right. I also found the link above from testing that confirms that rotating mass isn't as big a deal as the rules of thumb we are led to believe.
 
Yep, the formula cleared things up a bit for me. Any weight on the outer edge of the tire is worth twice as much as normal weight.