Speed

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Short quiz for those who casually think about speed when they are driving or even when they see a vehicle speed by. Maybe they don't give it any thought.

Wolfjess' Speedway Demons brought to mind something I have contemplated since I was little. Only we are going to ramp up the speed from so long ago.
1: A vehicle is traveling at 200 mph. For simplicity's sake discount tire slippage on the surface.
2: How fast is the apex (top) of the tire traveling?
3. How fast is the bottom of the tire traveling where it fully contacts the surface?

Now I'm going to give a hint to the answers.
https://www.engineersedge.com/physics/speed_of_sound_13241.htm

Give it some thought before you read on down.
When I was growing up all tires had cord or thread in them. Slowly steel belted tires started making an appearance. There was a reason as tires were asked to run constantly at higher and higher speeds as turnpikes and interstates were built. The killer of corded tires was heat and centrifugal force. High speed sprints they usually held together. Long runs and they came apart. It was also the reason tubeless tires were introduced. The innertube constantly flexing against the inside of the tire built up excess heat.

Still haven't figured out the speed of the top of the tire on a car traveling at 200 mph? Remember we are ignoring friction loss on the surface. The top of the tire is traveling 400 mph relative to the surface the vehicle is traveling on. The bottom of the tire is traveling zero mph at full contact with the surface.
There are four tires traveling faster than the speed of sound on the vehicle traveling 200 mph. Which is part of the scream one hears as the vehicle races past and tires breaking the sound barrier.

There is so much physical science and mechanics going on every time one gets in a vehicle, starts it up, and begins driving..We live in an amazing and fascinating world if we just think about it. Shall I give a dissertation on the relationship of honey bees and their contribution to the foods we have or wouldn't have if it wasn't for the bees? Don't worry, I'm not. Had honey bees at one time. Thought I knew them. Taking a course at Michigan State University and I realize I knew nothing. They are even more fascinating than I imagined.
Hugs People, life is so precious, don't waste it.
Barb

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