Contact Point of Wheel and Curb Distance from Wheel Center Axis Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ s = \sqrt{2 \times r_d \times (h - h^2)} \]

Contact Point Distance from Wheel Center Axis (s):

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1. What is the Contact Point Distance Formula?

The contact point distance formula calculates the distance between the point where the tire touches the road and the wheel's center axis in a racing car. This measurement is crucial for understanding tire behavior and vehicle performance when encountering curbs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ s = \sqrt{2 \times r_d \times (h - h^2)} \]

Where:

\( s \) — Contact Point Distance from Wheel Center Axis (m)
\( r_d \) — Effective Radius of Wheel (m)
\( h \) — Height of Curb (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the horizontal distance from the wheel center to the contact point with a curb, accounting for the wheel's effective radius and the curb height.

3. Importance of Contact Point Distance Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of contact point distance is essential for racing car setup, tire performance analysis, and understanding how curbs affect vehicle dynamics and handling characteristics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter effective wheel radius and curb height in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is contact point distance important in racing?
A: It affects tire grip, suspension loading, and overall vehicle stability when navigating curbs and uneven track surfaces.

Q2: How does curb height affect the contact point?
A: Higher curbs increase the horizontal distance from the wheel center, potentially affecting tire contact patch and vehicle balance.

Q3: What is effective wheel radius?
A: Effective radius is the distance from the wheel center to the road surface, accounting for tire deformation under load.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: The formula assumes ideal conditions and may need adjustment for extreme curb heights or significantly deformed tires.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world racing?
A: While providing a good approximation, real-world factors like tire pressure, temperature, and compound may require additional considerations.