The Physics of Racing

The hows, whys and wherefores of punting a car around a track... the entire Physics of Racing Series by Brian Beckman, PhD.

By Brian Beckman

The Physics of Racing

introduction to the PhORs articles

Part 1: Weight Transfer HTML | .PDF (904k)

Part 2: Keeping Your Tyres Stuck to the Ground HTML | .PDF (792k)

Part 3: Basic Calculations HTML | .PDF (786k)

Part 4: There Is No Such Thing as Centrifugal Force HTML | .PDF (898k)

Part 5: Introduction to the Racing Line HTML | .PDF (953k)

Part 6: Speed and Horsepower HTML | .PDF (903k)

Part 7: The Traction Budget HTML | .PDF (1019k)

Part 8: Simulating Car Dynamics with a Computer Program HTML | .PDF (815k)

Part 9: Straights HTML | .PDF (996k)

Part 10: Grip Angle HTML | .PDF (904k)

Part 11: Braking HTML | .PDF (472k)

Part 12: CyberCar, Every Racer's DWIM Car? HTML | .PDF (832k)

Part 13: Transients (The missing episode) HTML | .PDF (943k)

Part 14: Why Smoothness? HTML | .PDF (1099k)

Part 15: Bumps In The Road HTML | .PDF (1229k)

Part 16: RARS, A Simple Racing Simulator HTML | .PDF (1194k)

Part 17: "Slow-in, Fast-out!" or, Advanced Analysis of the Racing Line HTML | .PDF (955k)

Part 18: "Slow-in, Fast-out!" or, Advanced Analysis of the Racing Line, Continued HTML | .PDF (1031k)

Part 19: Space, Time, and Rubber HTML | .PDF (635k)

Part 20: Four-Point Stratics HTML | .PDF (981k)

Part 21: The Magic Formula: Longitudinal Version HTML | .PDF (1983k)

Part 22: The Magic Formula: Lateral Version HTML | .PDF (1026k)

Part 23: Trail Braking HTML | .PDF (856k)

Part 24: Combination Slip HTML | .PDF (781k)

Part 25: Combination Grip HTML | .PDF (1021k)

Part 26: The Driving Wheel, Chapter I HTML | .PDF (1108k)

Part 27: Four-Wheel Weight Transfer HTML | .PDF (973k)

Part 28: Hazards of Integration HTML | .PDF (1152k)

Part 29: A Magical Trick HTML | .PDF (1501k)