"John Keeney" wrote in message ...
"Keith Willshaw" wrote in message
...

"peter wezeman" wrote in message
...
Scott Ferrin wrote in message
. ..
If they used a top fuel dragster it would be close even if the Tomcat
used a catapult. Come to think of it the dragster might win.

I seem to recall that a top fuel dragster accelerates at 2 to 3 Gs;
anyone have better info?


A little calculation can sort this out.

The record the 1/4 mile is about 5.2 seconds and tops out
at around 280 mph or approx 410 feet per second

v= u+ a*t

from a standing start u=0 so

a= 410/5.2 or 78 feet per second per second
which is indeed about 2.5G

Dated data, Keith.
NHRA Top Fuel records are at least 332.18 MPH top speed and 4.477s elapsed
time, both by Kenny Bernstein in 2001.
Funny Cars are just a little behind at 326.87mph & 4.731s (different
drivers).

a=3.4g -or there abouts-

Is the coefficient of friction of those special tires that high,
or do they use aerodynamic downforce to increase the traction?
If memory serves, the coefficient of friction of Formula One
racing tires is on the order of 1.2, but of course a drag slick doesn't
have to last nearly as long. One journalist wrote that, touching
a racing tire at operating temperature, it feels sticky, about like
wet bubble gum.

Peter Wezeman
anti-social Darwinist

Peter Wezeman
anti-social Darwinist