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Centrifugal Force Formula:
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Centrifugal Force is the apparent outward force on a mass when it is rotated. In vehicle dynamics, it represents the force that pushes a vehicle outward when navigating a curve.
The calculator uses the centrifugal force formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the outward force experienced by a vehicle when moving along a curved path, considering the vehicle's weight, speed, gravitational acceleration, and the radius of the curve.
Details: Calculating centrifugal force is crucial for vehicle safety design, road engineering, and determining appropriate speed limits for curves. It helps engineers design roads and vehicles that can safely navigate turns without skidding or overturning.
Tips: Enter vehicle weight in kg, velocity in km/h, acceleration due to gravity in m/s² (default is 9.8 m/s²), and curve radius in meters. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the difference between centrifugal and centripetal force?
A: Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force experienced in a rotating frame, while centripetal force is the real inward force that keeps an object moving in a circular path.
Q2: How does vehicle speed affect centrifugal force?
A: Centrifugal force increases with the square of velocity, meaning doubling the speed quadruples the centrifugal force.
Q3: Why is curve radius important in this calculation?
A: Smaller curve radii result in greater centrifugal forces for the same speed, making tighter curves more dangerous at high speeds.
Q4: How is this calculation used in real-world applications?
A: Road engineers use this calculation to design banked curves, determine safe speed limits, and design vehicle suspension systems that can handle cornering forces.
Q5: What factors can affect the accuracy of this calculation?
A: Real-world factors like road banking, tire friction, vehicle aerodynamics, and weight distribution can affect the actual forces experienced by a vehicle in a curve.