Driving upside-down in a circular track

Abstract In this article, we point out an interesting solution for the dynamics of a racecar in a banked circular track with banking angle well over 90°. We call this track configuration an Inverted Track, at which a racecar can drive partially upside-down. We show an experimental setup, where we ma...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fernando F. Dall'Agnol, Lucas B. de Morais, Marcelo D. Alloy
Format: Article
Language:Portuguese
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Física
Series:Revista Brasileira de Ensino de Física
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1806-11172020000100402&lng=en&tlng=en
Description
Summary:Abstract In this article, we point out an interesting solution for the dynamics of a racecar in a banked circular track with banking angle well over 90°. We call this track configuration an Inverted Track, at which a racecar can drive partially upside-down. We show an experimental setup, where we made a toy car to circulate upside-down held only by its friction to the track. We discuss the viability to perform the aforementioned stunt with a real racecar in terms of the velocities required, dimensions of the track and safety; provided a passionate motorsport related company to commission it. For most racecars, the aerodynamic down-force is significant and it is included in our analysis.
ISSN:1806-9126