Quote:
Originally Posted by M. Krass
Wheelbase, while taking about turning, acts only as a short hand description of considerations of friction, coefficient of friction and torque. The behaviors described by Kevin's comments are absolutely a function of coefficient of friction and resulting traction. There are a handful of ways to make your robot turn more easily -- one is shortening the distance between the center of mass and a wheel's contact point, reducing the torque required to rotate the robot as a result of reducing the distance variable in your torque equation. Conversely, you might reduce the force variable in the equation by using wheels with a lower coefficient of friction; it is by this principle that omniwheels work. You could, with more difficulty, also increase the available torque.
I'm sure you understand this, but some of the folks coming down the line later may read this without some of the inherent assumptions I think you're making -- namely, considerations for all other things being equal. I just want to be sure that we avoid having someone think that they can use wheels with a higher coefficient of friction and simultaneously shorten the wheel base and have everything come up roses.
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You are right, I was making a few assumptions (gotta stop doing that
).
corpralchees' first post only talked about a 6WD vs 4WD high traction setup
Quote:
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Originally Posted by corpralchee
Sorry if this is the wrong thread for this question but seems like it would fit. My team is wondering if going with a 6wd traction wheels all on the same level would be better than a 4wd traction wheels all on the same level.
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To me, this sounded like if he just added 2 more powered wheels would it be better. The answer to this is just adding 2 more of the same type of wheels, at the same level, without changing wheelbase will not assist in turning nor will it (in and of itself) give you more traction.
So now that we are knee deep into the discussion, let me ask you what you mean by 'better'. Are you looking for more pushing force? better manuverability? Easier turning?
Edit: Also corpralchee, Wider tires do not give more traction, in and of themselves. So Widening the center tires, alone, wont directly help. There's a whole science around tire width, contact patch, durometer and sidewall height ... etc.