pic: How we rolled in 2009

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[biojae]

Did the extra wheels help with traction? simple physics says that it wouldn't help at all. is there something that i am not seeing? (we only used 4 wheels)

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by biojae

simple physics says that it wouldn't help at all

I think the 'state of the art' in Lunacy debate was that simple physics says it won't help, but complex physics says it will. Different proponents will give different reasons for their complex physics - the deformation of the wheels, the deformation of the surface, aliens, etc. I don't really know either way, but I do know that many well respected teams went with the more is better approach, so I can't just dismiss it out of hand.

[Lowfategg]

Originally Posted by biojae

Did the extra wheels help with traction? simple physics says that it wouldn't help at all. is there something that i am not seeing? (we only used 4 wheels)

We did tests before hand and concluded that more wheels did provide an advantage over less wheels.

I completely agree that simple physics would prove otherwise. Like EricVanWyk said, you have to remember there are a lot more variables here that need to be dealt with. The wheels and field wear with use, and also dirt along with other contaminants get on the field surface which in turn affects traction. Also the deformation of the field surface and wheels can play a role.

Another large role in this drivetrain's performance is the placement of weight and wheels.

[biojae]

We did tests before hand and concluded that more wheels did provide an advantage over less wheels.
I completely agree that simple physics would prove otherwise. Like EricVanWyk said, you have to remember there are a lot more variables here that need to be dealt with. The wheels and field wear with use, and also dirt along with other contaminants get on the field surface which in turn affects traction. Also the deformation of the field surface and wheels can play a role.

Ahh, ok, the uneven wear, and the textured surface would provide slightly more traction. i guess it is just for perfectly flat surfaces, where the wheel is tangent at only one line does ideal land physics take effect.