Scioly.org

I wonder if anyone even knows how physics work. Whatever I'm done.

If I could add one thing, my team is building a curved ramp, but we've found it basically impossible to replicate b-curve exactly anyway, due to the nature of our resources. We're close, just not perfect. But, just by reading these forums (and physics class), we're not too worried, because as stated previously, any gain in HZ speed is negligible. In the process of brainstorming, we did initially think that the exit HZ speed was greater, but just doing tests of our ramp by changing the curvature of the surface, we found that there really is no large difference in time.

Frogger4907 wrote:I wonder if anyone even knows how physics work. Whatever I'm done.

Hey Frogger, I've taken 1 or 2 physics classes before. I'll do some math when I get the chance (based on this curve here: http://www.scioly.org/phpBB3/viewtopic. ... 75#p181588) and I'll compare that to just a non curved ramp and get back to you.

bearasauras wrote:

Frogger4907 wrote:I wonder if anyone even knows how physics work. Whatever I'm done.

Hey Frogger, I've taken 1 or 2 physics classes before. I'll do some math when I get the chance (based on this curve here: http://www.scioly.org/phpBB3/viewtopic. ... 75#p181588) and I'll compare that to just a non curved ramp and get back to you.

Only 1 or 2 classes? Is that all it takes to get a Ph.D. in Applied Physics at CalTech nowadays? If so sign me up too!;)

chalker wrote:

bearasauras wrote:

Frogger4907 wrote:I wonder if anyone even knows how physics work. Whatever I'm done.

Hey Frogger, I've taken 1 or 2 physics classes before. I'll do some math when I get the chance (based on this curve here: http://www.scioly.org/phpBB3/viewtopic. ... 75#p181588) and I'll compare that to just a non curved ramp and get back to you.

Only 1 or 2 classes? Is that all it takes to get a Ph.D. in Applied Physics at CalTech nowadays? If so sign me up too!;)

Why so few bear?
With the noncurved ramp you are making, make it trasition to the floor smoothly.

LB, I think bear was joking....

illusionist wrote:LB, I think bear was joking....

I think sarcasm is a dead language nowadays.

But, to reiterate what LB said, (or at least what I though he said), the curve that bear had wasn't a perfect cycloid, so the transition to the floor would be a bit rough.

Considering chassis shape, I am not sure if this has been discussed before I only looked back 4-5 pages on the forum, when creating your chassis is it more effective to create a very long and narrow shape vs. a wide and short shape, or do u want a balance of the two, assuming these are all the same weight. One advantage of the second would be that you would have more space for a wingnut braking system, but that can easily be fixed with the first option as well.

questionguy wrote:Considering chassis shape, I am not sure if this has been discussed before I only looked back 4-5 pages on the forum, when creating your chassis is it more effective to create a very long and narrow shape vs. a wide and short shape, or do u want a balance of the two, assuming these are all the same weight. One advantage of the second would be that you would have more space for a wingnut braking system, but that can easily be fixed with the first option as well.

This has been discussed a little bit earlier (I think), but to summarize:

Short and wide allows you to concentrate more of the mass higher on the ramp (giving you more potential energy), but is less stable/more difficult to get to go straight (because of the short distance between the axles).

Long and narrow will provide more stability, but you will lose some amount of potential energy (and final speed).

If I were building a competitive vehicle, I would build a short and relatively wide vehicle, taking a large amount of care ensuring everything is perfectly square and aligned. Of course, that's just my opinion and I'd be glad to see someone come up with a better solution!

In relation to that, wouldn't it be best to build the body light, and then add mass in whatever location you want in order to balance a straight path and maximum potential?