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In case I've forgotten something about physics (thruster question)

Discussion in 'Roadster 2022' started by ZoomsansVroom, Aug 22, 2019.

  1. ZoomsansVroom

    ZoomsansVroom Supporting Member

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    Eletrek had some crazy statement about the thrusters on the Roadster letting it "hover"

    A) No idea why a car would ever need upforce, so bit odd...
    B) Its still F=ma, right? So, even at hundreds of miles per hour - say even a a thousand miles per hour, we'd still be talking about hundreds of pounds of compressed gas being vented, correct?
    C) Anyone remember enough about orifices and pressures, to figure what's the lightest poundage of compressed gas that could meaningfully improve 0-60 times?
     
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  2. PV-EV

    PV-EV Member

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    I’m pretty sure the answer is 42
     
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  3. blove

    blove Member

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    Isn't it using the same thrusters they use to correct their rockets on descent?
     
  4. brianman

    brianman Burrito Founder

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    My interpretation was that the thrusters need to be adjustable (i.e. not fixed position) and that the range of rotation includes (nearly?) straight down as well as (nearly?) straight up. Straight down allows for hovering. In other words, it's a parlor trick allowed by the design rather than a design criteria.
     
  5. DS 5/15

    DS 5/15 Member

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    This is why...

     
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  6. Uncle Paul

    Uncle Paul Well-Known Member

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    If the thrusters can generate more lbs of thrust than the car weights, it can indeed hover.

    No practical reason for this, but will generate millions in publicity.

    Thrusters will be mostly to accelerate and vector car.
     
  7. Camera-Cruiser

    Camera-Cruiser Fully Charged

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    Bravo! This is the most reasonable explanation of the future roadster's abilities.
     
  8. Brando

    Brando Active Member

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    this is a good review of aerodynamics in racing - Formula 1

    youtu.be/-NRf2jGrrMc
     
  9. 3s-a-charm

    3s-a-charm Active Member

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    That music though! Early EDM :)
     
  10. Dolemite

    Dolemite is my name

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    On the Roadster, control H releases Pervitin directly into the bloodstream
     
  11. Wnix05

    Wnix05 Member

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    You could use thrusters to aid in cornering. Imagine going around a track without slowing (much) around curves. It could be g-force activated compensatory side thrusters!
     
  12. Brando

    Brando Active Member

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    My speculation only: Part of the use of "thrusters" might well be to lower the air pressure under the Roadster which would increase the down force which of course increases the tire traction. Tire traction is limiting function. [acceleration/stopping/cornering]

    Some history 1977
    Undertray or Underbody
     
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  13. Otto Barten

    Otto Barten Member

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    Really like that idea.. would mean there's no theoretical limit to cornering speed I think
     
  14. DarthPierce

    DarthPierce Member

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    There certainly are limits.
    There will be a limit to the amount of force generated by a cold gas thruster, there are limits to the amount of time the thruster can activate before needing to have the COPV replenished, and, even ignoring the above, there are limits to the amount of lateral G force a human can withstand.
     
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  15. bolosky

    bolosky Member

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    Maybe it will come with a G-suit option. :) (I'm kidding, I know that they're really only useful for pullups where the blood drains to you legs, which isn't something a car will do.)
     

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