Unlimited Top Fuel (how quick & fast?)

[fueller42]

I could be off a bit here, not being able to see the fuel line or the clutch linear, but I will decipher the squiggles a bit for ya.

The Blue Line (drive shaft RPM)
You will notice between .175 and .2 seconds, there is a small plateau, this is where the tires are first "wadded up". From .32 to .4 seconds, the tires are actually spinning a small amount (corresponding to the drop in g's). At .4, we see the g's begin to rise again, as well as the engine rpm drop.
I believe this is a 5 stage clutch controller. The first stage coming in at .8 seconds, applying more clutch, the second at 1.1 seconds, the third at 1.8, the fourth at 2.3, and finally full lock-up at 2.8 seconds.

At right around 3 seconds, the clutch and engine are now 1:1, right at 6500rpm, the rpm now rising to 8200 rpm. At this end of the track, it took 1.8 seconds to gain 1700 rpm.

Now you can see why linear equations don't give an accurate depiction of potential or even theoretical et's and mph in 1320 feet. If you try and make the clutch lock up at the hit of the throttle, trust me, instant smoke.

 

[Dubs]

I could be off a bit here, not being able to see the fuel line or the clutch linear, but I will decipher the squiggles a bit for ya.

The Blue Line (drive shaft RPM)
You will notice between .175 and .2 seconds, there is a small plateau, this is where the tires are first "wadded up". From .32 to .4 seconds, the tires are actually spinning a small amount (corresponding to the drop in g's). At .4, we see the g's begin to rise again, as well as the engine rpm drop.
I believe this is a 5 stage clutch controller. The first stage coming in at .8 seconds, applying more clutch, the second at 1.1 seconds, the third at 1.8, the fourth at 2.3, and finally full lock-up at 2.8 seconds.

At right around 3 seconds, the clutch and engine are now 1:1, right at 6500rpm, the rpm now rising to 8200 rpm. At this end of the track, it took 1.8 seconds to gain 1700 rpm.

Now you can see why linear equations don't give an accurate depiction of potential or even theoretical et's and mph in 1320 feet. If you try and make the clutch lock up at the hit of the throttle, trust me, instant smoke.

Very interesting, Ed. Did you ever work on a fueler?

 

[Tim5636sc]

My brain hurts now trying to follow all that.

Math=kryptonite. YUCK!

Ah....Me too... Guess that's why they say to us..."HEY YOU TWO... GO THAT WAY REALLY FAR....IF SOMETHING GETS IN YOUR WAY.... TURN!!!"


Still want to know where to sign up for the 800 mph 1/4 Run!!! We'd stop it SOMEHOW????

 

[fueller42]

Very interesting, Ed. Did you ever work on a fueler?

Yes, actually, I did for almost 6 years. Team chief, crew chief, head mechanic, did everything but drove for an independent in IHRA, ran some selected Nhra stuff as well.

 

[Dubs]

Nice Ed...


p.s. I downloaded that drag racing game in your sig and thought it was pretty cool until you had to actually pay for the points

 

[jpee]

I may have missed it.. but if the OP can do the math... suppose the REAR END could be changed BACK to 2.90 how much difference would that make ?

 

[Nitrohaulic]

He lost me at "what an opportunity to do some math"

That's where my eyes were glazed over already.

 

[Nitrohaulic]

I think your math is spot on. You have a great point, unless they can go into higher gears then they'd blow the engine.

I think your right about the air resistance deal too -

If someone alot smarter then me really looked into the physics, fluid dynamics, and mechanics of materials involved they would have a field day giving facts out on the ESPN broadcasts. It really is amazing even today how impressive these machines are.

I always find myself comparing the power in a TF engine to real life everyday situations: Ever stand next to a modern day 207 ton diesel electric locomotive? I think they run about 5,000 hp. Now take all that and pack it into 500 cubic inches.. then throw in another 3,000 hp. I wouldn't want to put that motor between my legs and then ride it over 300mph.

Look at how many miles of coal cars they'll pull through the mountains with that.

Someone I used to work for has a brother who's worked on formula car clutches. He was contracted to do some fuel clutch work. Like he said, some engines have a lot of horsepower. Some engines have a lot of torque. Fuel engines have BOTH.

Most heavy duty diesel truck engines pull 80,000 lbs down the road with horsepower numbers in the 400s but torque well into the teens.