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Rolling Resistance Formula:
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Rolling resistance is the force that resists the motion when a body (such as a wheel) rolls on a surface. It is primarily caused by the deformation of the object and/or the surface it's rolling on.
The calculator uses the rolling resistance formula:
Where:
Explanation: The rolling resistance is directly proportional to both the coefficient of rolling resistance and the normal force acting on the object.
Details: Calculating rolling resistance is crucial in various fields including automotive engineering, transportation, and mechanical design. It helps in determining energy efficiency, fuel consumption, and performance of vehicles and machinery.
Tips: Enter the coefficient of rolling resistance (a dimensionless value typically between 0.001 and 0.05 for most applications) and the weight/normal force in newtons. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What factors affect the coefficient of rolling resistance?
A: The coefficient depends on the materials in contact, surface conditions, temperature, and the design of the rolling object (e.g., tire type and pressure).
Q2: How does rolling resistance compare to other types of friction?
A: Rolling resistance is typically much smaller than sliding friction, which is why wheels are so effective for transportation.
Q3: What are typical values for the coefficient of rolling resistance?
A: For car tires on concrete: 0.01-0.015; for train wheels on steel rails: 0.001-0.002; for bicycle tires: 0.002-0.005.
Q4: How can rolling resistance be reduced?
A: Using harder materials, improving surface smoothness, optimizing tire pressure, and using specialized lubricants can reduce rolling resistance.
Q5: Why is rolling resistance important for electric vehicles?
A: Reducing rolling resistance directly improves battery range in electric vehicles, making it a critical factor in EV design.