Why every driver should know the center of gravity of their car
- April 18, 2023
- 0
The center of gravity of a car is a conditional point where the entire mass of the vehicle is concentrated. And the weight distribution along the axles directly
The center of gravity of a car is a conditional point where the entire mass of the vehicle is concentrated. And the weight distribution along the axles directly depends on the location. But what affects the placement of the center of gravity, and most importantly, how? We tell: and don’t say later that you haven’t heard of it.
Not only the stability of the machine, but also the driving behavior depends on the distribution of the center of gravity. The axle load in a normal passenger car is usually divided into equal parts. And by overloading the car, the driver risks shifting the center of gravity easily. And this threatens not only with the loss of trajectory, but in some cases with overturning. After all, if you pack much more in the trunk than the automaker recommends, the load could backfire by shifting the point of maximum vehicle weight.
Much worse if you exceed the weight limit when installing the cargo box on the roof of the car. The car can be stormy even at low speeds due to the wind, deteriorating stability and making the driver nervous. A proven fact: the height of the center of gravity has an effect on the load redistribution between the wheels, especially during acceleration and deceleration. A similar effect occurs when cornering, but also when maneuvering.
Simply put, the higher the center of gravity, the worse the stability of the machine and the higher the wind load. Even minor rolls or flaws in the roadway can play a cruel joke on the driver – the car risks not only “killing” the suspension and wheels, but corny flying off the track.
That is why engineers pay extra attention when designing cars to ensure that the center of gravity is as close as possible to the road surface. As an example, let’s take sports cars that are actually close to the roadway. Now imagine a crane going into a curve or braking in an emergency. The difference, as they say, is obvious. What can I say if the same crossovers and SUVs with increased ground clearance are much less stable than other “puzoterka”.
It would be helpful to mention gravity. This is when the weight of the car is concentrated in the center of gravity. What effect does it have? Yes, all for the same thing, for safety. After all, a car moving in a straight line remains stable until the line of gravity passes beyond the circumference of the four wheels, which are actually the fulcrum of the “iron horse”.
In other words, when the direction vector of gravity leaves the area bounded by the wheels, the car immediately loses its stability properties. Moreover, both transversely and longitudinally. For example, when turning into a sharp turn at high speed, the gravity indicator shifts to the outside of the turn under the influence of inertia on the car. It is easy to tip over or roll over. A similar situation is typical for indecent sharp taxiing at speeds, as well as emergency braking on a slope and areas with slippery surfaces.
Photo: AvtoVzglyad
Not only the stability of the machine, but also the driving behavior depends on the distribution of the center of gravity. The axle load in a normal passenger car is usually divided into equal parts. And by overloading the car, the driver risks shifting the center of gravity easily. And this threatens not only with the loss of trajectory, but in some cases with overturning. After all, if you pack much more in the trunk than the automaker recommends, the load could backfire by shifting the point of maximum vehicle weight.
Much worse if you exceed the weight limit when installing the cargo box on the roof of the car. The car can be stormy even at low speeds due to the wind, deteriorating stability and making the driver nervous. A proven fact: the height of the center of gravity has an effect on the load redistribution between the wheels, especially during acceleration and deceleration. A similar effect occurs when cornering, but also when maneuvering.
Simply put, the higher the center of gravity, the worse the stability of the machine and the higher the wind load. Even minor rolls or flaws in the roadway can play a cruel joke on the driver – the car risks not only “killing” the suspension and wheels, but corny flying off the track.
That is why engineers pay extra attention when designing cars to ensure that the center of gravity is as close as possible to the road surface. As an example, let’s take sports cars that are actually close to the roadway. Now imagine a crane going into a curve or braking in an emergency. The difference, as they say, is obvious. What can I say if the same crossovers and SUVs with increased ground clearance are much less stable than other “puzoterka”.
It would be helpful to mention gravity. This is when the weight of the car is concentrated in the center of gravity. What effect does it have? Yes, all for the same thing, for safety. After all, a car moving in a straight line remains stable until the line of gravity passes beyond the circumference of the four wheels, which are actually the fulcrum of the “iron horse”.
In other words, when the direction vector of gravity leaves the area bounded by the wheels, the car immediately loses its stability properties. Moreover, both transversely and longitudinally. For example, when turning into a sharp turn at high speed, the gravity indicator shifts to the outside of the turn under the influence of inertia on the car. It is easy to tip over or roll over. A similar situation is typical for indecent sharp taxiing at speeds, as well as emergency braking on a slope and areas with slippery surfaces.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
