NVFRC: Re: Pinewood Derby speed secrets nVFRc

The advice I heard was to put the weight as far back as possible. The logic
is that potential energy is height * weight. So to maximize the energy your
car has available to convert into kinetic energy, you want to maximize the
vertical distance travelled by the center of mass of your car. The tracks
start with the cars pointed down, so putting the weight in back gives it the
most height.

I've also ready that aerodynamics barely matter. Just make your car as
heavy as is allowed and spend your energy aligning and polishing the axels
and wheels. Axel friction matters, but supposedly not as much as friction
due to your car bouncing off the center guide if it doesn't roll perfectly
straight.

-Brett

On 2/5/07, Ed Kokosa wrote:
>
> Why keep the weight centered over the rear axle?
>
> I would think that trying to keep the weight evenly distributed to both
> axles would be preferred, since axle friction would be the greatest force to
> overcome.
>
> Ed
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> *On Behalf Of *Randy
>
> Graphite for the axles (after assuring the car runs straight). After a
> liberal application spin the wheels and shake the car to remove excess.
> Graphite applied to the sides of the car where the wheels might rub. Be as
> close to the weight limit as possible (pennies and BB's make good weights).
> Try to keep the weight low and centered over the rear axle.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> *From:* Denny Fair
>
>
>
> Let's hear them. My two sons and I are in the process of designing and
> building their cars for this year. We've researched and read all that we
> could find online and in print. We want the "layman's" speed tips.
>
>
>
> Denny
> ------------------------------
>
>
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--
Brett Coon - brett.coon@xxxxxx - http://www.cheesepipe.com

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--- Brett Coon wrote:

> The advice I heard was to put the weight as far back
> as possible.

We always added a small nugget of Kryptonite near the
rear axle, that seemed to add some 'zip'.





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