Contents

A Word to the Readerviii

A Warm-Up Lap 1
Getting Up to Speed

Chapter 2: Kinematics Basics

Kinematics Basics  20
Straight-Line Motion

Kinematics Applications  52
Straight-Line Motion in Vehicles and Mechanisms, and Racing Strategy

Dynamics Basics  82
Forces, Mass, and Acceleration

Chapter 5: Forces

Forces  110
Agents of Change

Dynamics Applications  138

Forces and Motion in Vehicles and Mechanisms

Torque, Force Resolution, and 2-D Vectors 166

Basic Use of Vectors in a Plane

8
Chapter 7: Torque, Force
Resolution, and 2-D Vectors

Angular Dynamics Basics  194

Torques, Rotational Inertia, and Angular Acceleration

Angular Dynamics Applications  226

Driving Mechanisms; Converting Between Torque and Force

10 Dynamics in a Plane Basics 260

Forces, Moments, and Motion in Two Dimensions

11 Dynamics in a Plane Applications 292

Dealing with Changes in Direction
Chapter 8: Angular Dynamics
Basics

12 Energy Basics  324

Work, Motion, and Heat, and the First Law of Thermodynamics

13 Energy Applications  362

Energy Balance and Conversion,
and the Second Law of Thermodynamics

14 Power Basics 396

Getting Work Done
Chapter 9: Angular Dynamics
Applications

15 Power Applications 432

Power Production and Utilization, and Energy Efficiency

16 Statics and Quasi-Statics Basics  468

Center of Gravity Location, Weight Distribution, and Load Transfer

17 Statics and Quasi-Statics Applications  498

Chapter 11: Dynamics in a Plane

Applications

Contact Forces, CGs of Assemblies,

and Vehicle Design for Maximum Performance

18 Appendix 1  535
Units and Conversions

19 Appendix 2  547
Greek Letters and Pronunciations

Chapter 14: Power Basics

20 Appendix 3  549
Math Reference

21 Appendix 4  551
Symbols

22 Appendix 5  555
Selected Derivations

23 Appendix 6  569

Chapter 15: Power Applications

Glossary

24 Index  579
25 References and Recommended Reading  589
26 Acknowledgements  590
27 About the Author  591

Chapter 16: Statics and QuasiStatics Basics

Chapter 17: Statics and QuasiStatics Applications

established 1950
Automotive Reference

BentleyPublishers
.com

Physics for Gearheads

An Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics,

Energy, and Power
with Examples from Motorsports
by Randy Beikmann
Bentley Stock Number: GEBP
Publication Date: 2015.03.09
ISBN: 978-0-8376-1615-5
Softcover, 8 in. x 10 in.
Case quantity: 1
604 pages, 347 photos, illustrations and diagrams

There is no better way to learn physics than by

having a problem to solve
As a gearhead, you have a secret advantage when it comes to
understanding physics: you see it at work every time you solve a
problem with your car or watch a motorsports event. The experience
you already have tuning cars or motorcycles is your virtual
physics lab. Physics for Gearheads will show you that if you can
learn about cars, you can learn about physics.
Whether your interest is in increasing your engines horsepower,
getting more miles per gallon, or shaving tenths off your lap time on
track day, you can use physics to gain insight into the problem and
formulate a solution. Physics for Gearheads not only explains
physics principles in language you can understand, it demonstrates
how to use physics to your advantage.
Randy Beikmann is an automotive engineer working at the top of
the industry. And he loves physics. Through his masterful teaching,
physics doesnt look foreignit looks like common sense.

The rear tires distort in producing the

immense traction force to accelerate
John Forces Mustang funny car, at
the 1997 NHRA Winternationals
semifinals.
Chapter 4: Dynamics Basics

In a steady curve, the lateral and

vertical tire forces each cause
a roll moment on the bike. To
balance these out it needs to
lean at a specific roll angle x
that depends on the lateral
acceleration.
Chapter 16: Statics and
Quasi-Statics Basics

We calculate the lateral

acceleration in a curve from
a vehicles velocity change
after rounding a small
portion of it.
Chapter 10: Dynamics in
a Plane Basics

Chapters
1. A Warm-Up Lap
2. Kinematics Basics
3. Kinematics Applications
4. Dynamics Basics
5. Forces
6. Dynamics Applications
7. Torque, Force Resolution, and 2-D Vectors
8. Angular Dynamics Basics
9. Angular Dynamics Applications
10. Dynamics in a Plane Basics
11. Dynamics in a Plane Applications
12. Energy Basics
13. Energy Applications
14. Power Basics
15. Power Applications
16. Statics and Quasi-Statics Basics
17. Statics and Quasi-Statics Applications

Bentley Publishers, 1734 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138-1804 USA

Tel: 617-547-4170 Toll Free: 800-423-4595 Fax: 617-876-9235
http://www.bentleypublishers.com/contact-us
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