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Dynamics of a gravity car race with application to the Pinewood Derby

Publication ,  Journal Article
Mann, BP; Gibbs, MM; Sah, SM
Published in: Mechanical Sciences
January 1, 2012

This paper investigates the underlying physics of a gravity car race. This work seeks to provide a sound theoretical basis to elucidate the design considerations that maximize performance while simultaneously dispelling false assertions that may arise from incomplete analyses. The governing equations are derived and solved analytically to predict race times; trend analyses are then performed along with a sensitivity analysis to ascertain the most important factors that influence performance. The inferences from a conservative energy balance are then compared with the predictions from the full set of differential equations, which include the dissipative terms associated with air resistance and friction.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Mechanical Sciences

DOI

EISSN

2191-916X

ISSN

2191-9151

Publication Date

January 1, 2012

Volume

3

Issue

2

Start / End Page

73 / 84

Related Subject Headings

  • 4017 Mechanical engineering
 

Citation

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Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Mann, B. P., Gibbs, M. M., & Sah, S. M. (2012). Dynamics of a gravity car race with application to the Pinewood Derby. Mechanical Sciences, 3(2), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-3-73-2012
Mann, B. P., M. M. Gibbs, and S. M. Sah. “Dynamics of a gravity car race with application to the Pinewood Derby.” Mechanical Sciences 3, no. 2 (January 1, 2012): 73–84. https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-3-73-2012.
Mann BP, Gibbs MM, Sah SM. Dynamics of a gravity car race with application to the Pinewood Derby. Mechanical Sciences. 2012 Jan 1;3(2):73–84.
Mann, B. P., et al. “Dynamics of a gravity car race with application to the Pinewood Derby.” Mechanical Sciences, vol. 3, no. 2, Jan. 2012, pp. 73–84. Scopus, doi:10.5194/ms-3-73-2012.
Mann BP, Gibbs MM, Sah SM. Dynamics of a gravity car race with application to the Pinewood Derby. Mechanical Sciences. 2012 Jan 1;3(2):73–84.

Published In

Mechanical Sciences

DOI

EISSN

2191-916X

ISSN

2191-9151

Publication Date

January 1, 2012

Volume

3

Issue

2

Start / End Page

73 / 84

Related Subject Headings

  • 4017 Mechanical engineering