Quote:
Originally Posted by Perfectlap
I'm not a physicist (since I can't spell it) but momentum + lesser weight = quicker acceleration and faster cornering.
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Hi,
Weight (or more appropriately Mass)
is a Factor in Momentum - P=MV... Objects in motion are said to have a Momentum. This Momentum is a Vector. It has a size and a direction. The size of the Momentum is equal to the
mass of the object multiplied by the size of the object's Velocity (Speed). The direction of the Momentum is the same as the direction of the object's Velocity. So the
more Mass (weight) an object has, the
more Momentum it will have for a given Speed...
The Principle does not apply in this case, nor does Unsprung Weight, so far as Acceleration is concerned, Weight is Weight... period.
Acceleration is a Vector
quantity which is defined as "the rate at which an object changes its velocity." An object is Accelerating if it is changing its Velocity. It increases it's Velocity by adding more Force from the Engine. By reducing the
Overall, not just Unsprung, Weight, resistance is overcome more easily leaving additional Power to make the Car go even Faster.
Unsprung Weight is the Mass of the Suspension, Wheels and other components directly connected to them, rather than supported by the Suspension. (The Mass of the Body and other components supported by the Suspension is the
Sprung Weight.)
Unsprung Weight includes the Weight of components such as the Wheels, Spindles, Wheel Bearings, Tires, and a portion of the weight of Driveshafts, Springs, Shock Absorbers, and Suspension Links. If the vehicle's brakes are mounted outboard (i.e., within the Wheel as is the Boxster), their weight is also part of the Unsprung Weight.
The Reaction Forces of the Wheels to bumps and surface imperfections are transmitted by the Suspension to the Body. The greater the Unsprung Weight, the larger the forces exerted on the Body. Therefore, the smoothness and stability of the Ride and the Mechanical Loads are closely related to the ratio of Unsprung Weight to Sprung Weight.
The Inertia of the Unsprung Weight affects the Suspension's ability to follow the shape of the Road, or Track. As a result, high Unsprung Weight has a negative effect on overall Handling and Braking ability, especially on imperfect surfaces. This results in having to traverse this Road at Lower Speed to keep control of the Car, you cannot allow the car to go as Fast as if the ratio of Unsprung to Sprung Weight were more favorable.
Sorry, I did take a lot of Physics, it was my minor...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99