The Mechanics of Ground Vehicles
In most cases, ground vehicles are man-made machines that use engines to generate proportional forces. While engines obviously provide the primary source of power for vehicles, other components must cooperate in order to effectively make use of the available energy. This is where the field of mechanics comes into play. Mechanics of ground vehicles examines the design and operation of the various systems which allow vehicles to efficiently (and safely) move.
At their core, ground vehicles consist of three main components—the prime mover, the transmission and the brakes. The prime mover is the source of power; it consists of a motor, usually gasoline-powered, that propels the vehicle forward. The transmission is responsible for delivering the energy generated by the prime mover to the driveshaft, which in turn powers the axle and wheels. The greater the gear ratio, the greater the mechanical advantage it provides. Brakes, meanwhile, enable the vehicle to slow or stop. They make use of friction to convert kinetic energy from the wheels into heat and decelerate the vehicle.
In addition to these core systems, other components are required for the full operation of a vehicle. Suspension systems absorb and dampen bumps and vibrations from the road, improving ride comfort and increasing tire contact with the ground for better traction and control. Additionally, steering systems are necessary for maneuvering. Steering can either be mechanical or hydraulic, and consists of connecting rods and linkages which allow the driver to control the direction in which the vehicle travels.
The motion of the vehicle’s frame is also dependent on various mechanical principles. Stability is maintained by keeping the center of mass of the vehicle outside the point of rotation, while torsional rigidity prevents it from twisting or flexing. Similarly, aerodynamics plays an important role in the performance of a ground vehicle, as this dramatically affects the power required to maintain speed and fuel efficiency.
Essentially, mechanics of ground vehicles examines how various components of the vehicle interact to produce motion. This means understanding how each part contributes to the overall performance, and how those components can be configured for optimal efficiency and control. Whether it’s an economy sedan or the latest Formula 1 race car, the principle is the same—harnessing the power of the engine and transferring to the wheels in a manner that efficiently uses energy and allows accurate control.
