Race Car Engineering Series || Traction Circle (Concept-2) It is not as complicated ...

... as it looks. Some assumptions and simple math. Even though it looks like a circle it is actually not. Traction circle is the representation of resultant of longitudinal and lateral forces acting on a car at any point of time. It is one of the most important concepts in vehicle dynamics. If at any point forces acting on the car goes out of this circle, car loses control and a serious accident may occur. Race cars will be designed based on the tracks on which they are going to be run. Of course they are many other factors which decides several design apects of a car.

The figures in the brackets are assumptions of maximum lateral and longitudinal forces as per the requirement of race. Car will be designed for this maximum limits for most of the college level formula Student cars. Concept is same for Formula cars but g forces assumed will be different based on track and competition requirements.

If a car simultaneously accelerates and corners then force acting on the car will be resultant of accelerating and cornering forces which is (√(x g)^2+(y g)^2 ) as shown in the picture. This will be similar for the case of braking and cornering.

It is evident from many previous racing events and reseach publications that braking forces will be little little higher than acceleration.

Components of suspension will be designed for that forces on this circle whether the resultant is maximum for safe and optimal performance.

Entire work published above is based on my past formula student experiences and my understanding. I welcome suggestions, agreements and criticism.

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