fastest 1/4 mile

[w=f[z]]

Warning: MATH ALERT

 

Here may be a fun problem for you to think about and solve...

 

 

In 1989, Shirley Muldowney set a new record for the fastest 1/4 mile by a wheel-driven car.

 

If I told you that the coefficient of static friction between her tires and the road was mu = 3.34, what was her best possible time?

 

 

 

Cheers,

w=f[z]

 

Footnote:

Her record has been broken since, but I'm too lazy to look up the new number and owner of that number.

 

Edit: Would someone be kind enough to tell me how to get LaTeX to work here. For example, $\mu=...$ doesn't seem to work. Thanks!

[timo]

[ math] latex code [ /math], e.g. [math] \psi_\mu = J_\mu [/math].

[w=f[z]]

[ math] latex code [ /math], e.g. [math] \psi_\mu = J_\mu [/math].

 

Muchas gracias!

[math]\mu_s=3.34[/math]

[w=f[z]]

Would it help to mention that all you need to solve this is a little algebra and some intro-physics type knowledge....

 

Cheers

[CPL.Luke]

mg mu= ma

 

mu*g=a

 

 

3.34*32=~109

 

1375=53*t^2

 

5 seconds roughly, which would be an impressive time.

 

it should be noted I used some guesstimations for the arithmatic

[w=f[z]]

Not bad CPL. I see you refrained from converting to SI. There's still room for someone to verify CPL's result.... Good fun!

 

Cheers

[CPL.Luke]

yeah since you gave part of the problem in english units there was no need.

[cjohnso0]

The current record (from the NHRA) is 4.428 by Tony Schumacher back in '06. This is a Top Fuel dragster I believe.

 

I'm looking for a reliable source for the 3 second rocket cars still.