WOT theory
10-27-2007, 05:05 PM
#1
2nd Gear Member
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 343
WOT theory
alright, i forgot where i read this, and every time i tell this to people, they think im insane. rather than cruising up the the speed limit, lets say 60 mph, they say that its better to absolutely floor it up to the speed limit, but not to go over, and you actually get better gas milage. what do you guys think about that? i believe it because ive tested it and physics really backs it up if you think about the amount of work per time is done. if the time is much larger, the amount of work done will be much larger, so it makes sense in that regard. this forum is full of people who know more about cars than some automobile engineers do, so id like to get some expert opinions on it
10-27-2007, 05:19 PM
#2
RE: WOT theory
It doesn't make sense, I'd think if you cruise to the speed limit it would give you better gas mileage.
Because you say the amount of work done by the car is in a shorter time frame, but work is not a fixed number.
So, lets say at WOT you're doing 100 N/m EACH second in 5 seconds, so that's 500 N/m.
Otherwise, if you cruise to that speed, lets say you're doing 25 N/m each second in 15 seconds, which adds to 375 N/m. So, you're making less work in general.
Because you say the amount of work done by the car is in a shorter time frame, but work is not a fixed number.
So, lets say at WOT you're doing 100 N/m EACH second in 5 seconds, so that's 500 N/m.
Otherwise, if you cruise to that speed, lets say you're doing 25 N/m each second in 15 seconds, which adds to 375 N/m. So, you're making less work in general.
10-27-2007, 06:00 PM
#3
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RE: WOT theory
Ugh. Your calculations are incorrect. I learned in physics (a class I have right now) that you would still be completing the same amt. of work no matter what.-accelerating from a certain speed to a certain speed, no matter how long it takes.
The problem is the same as one involving lifting a large object up a certain distance. You could either use an inclined plane or just muscle it to raise the object, but in the long run you will be doing the SAME amt. of work.
To technically you should not see a gain in fuel economy, or a loss. But due to the way the engine works and how the computer and fuel injection works, I'm sure it is more efficient to gradually increase in velocity
The problem is the same as one involving lifting a large object up a certain distance. You could either use an inclined plane or just muscle it to raise the object, but in the long run you will be doing the SAME amt. of work.
To technically you should not see a gain in fuel economy, or a loss. But due to the way the engine works and how the computer and fuel injection works, I'm sure it is more efficient to gradually increase in velocity
10-27-2007, 07:25 PM
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2007
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Posts: 6,414
RE: WOT theory
To be honest guys, my average MPG, according to my car, is higher if I gun it to that speed rather than slowly getting to it...I think the theory doesnt sound smart but according to my car it works
