CO2 cars are propelled by
carbon dioxide rapidly escaping from the cartridge
. The cartridge is positioned in the car so that the escaping gas moves rearward. The rearward force of the escaping gas is the initial action described by Newton. The reaction part of Newton’s law is fulfilled by the car’s movement.
How fast is a CO2 car?
In this type of racing, the participant builds a small carbon dioxide cartridge into the car, which propels it down a flat, level track. They’re fast, too — on a 65.5-foot (20-meter) track, the cars can cross the finish line in just over a second, traveling at nearly
70 miles per hour
(112.7 kilometers per hour)!
What makes a CO2 car go fast?
Aerodynamics,
thrust-to-weight ratio, surface drag, rolling resistance and friction–
all play a role in what makes a CO2 car fast or slow.
What is the best length for a CO2 car?
You need to have at least 60 feet without any obstructions. Any shorter distance than this, and the cars will destroy themselves upon finishing a race. The optimum track length is
66 feet (20 Meters)
, which is in scale with real dragstrip lengths of a quarter mile.
How do you determine the speed of the CO2 dragster?
Using a Pitsco launch and timing system, test the dragster using an 8-gram CO2 cartridge and time it for a 20-meter distance. The average velocity is calculated using the formula velocity equals distance (meters) divided by time (seconds), or
v = d/t.
What is the fastest CO2 car in the world?
On the 15th October 1997, at Black Rock, Nevada USA, Andy Green piloted
the Trust SSC
(SuperSonic Car) and achieved what was previously thought impossible. He travelled at a speed of 1,227.985 km/h (Mach 1.020) and broke the sound barrier.
What is the most aerodynamic car?
The electric Mercedes EQS
is the world’s most aerodynamic production car. Its 0.20 drag coefficient beats the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air. The cab-forward design isn’t just for good looks.
What is the top speed of a Funny Car?
Funny Car. Similar to their Top Fuel counterparts but with a shorter wheelbase and a carbon-fiber body that loosely resembles a production-based automobile, Funny Cars can run in the 3.8-second range and are capable of speeds in excess of
330 mph
.
What is the best car for low emissions?
- Audi A4.
- Ford Focus.
- Hyundai Ioniq.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
- Nissan Qashqai.
- Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer.
- Skoda Superb Estate.
- Toyota CH-R.
What is the most aerodynamic shape for a CO2 car?
Sphere
– A very good aerodynamic shape because of it symmetrical shape. Which allows air to flow over it’s surface with very little disruption to the air stream. A combination of basic shapes will yield the best results. This equation has to do with how much weight is over the front and rear of the vehicle.
How do you start a CO2 car?
Simply hit the hardwood strip in the center with a hammer and the pin will pierce the Co2 canister
, releasing the gas and sending your rocket car on its way. Rocket cars need long, smooth flat tracks to run. With this quick system, any school hallway will do. Give yourself about 60 feet for it to work.
How can I make my CO2 dragster go faster?
Simply put,
the less weight your dragster has, the faster it will go
. This is the most important factor that will figure into your design. Keep it light! Thrust: The gas escaping from the CO2 cartridge in the car.
What are CO2 dragsters made of?
CO2 dragsters are made of
lightweight material usually balsawood or basswood
. They are propelled down a track by compressed carbon dioxide gas.
How fast are well designed CO2 dragsters capable of going?
They’re super quick, on a (20-metre) track, the cars can cross the finish line in just over a second, travelling at a top speed of
around 90 kilometers per hour
. The CO2 dragster may be small, but it’s going to be moving at incredible speeds when you race it.
What 2 things can you do to reduce drag?
Engineers reduce friction drag by making the airplane more streamlined, the wings narrower, or
by using new materials that make the surface more smooth
, decreasing the ability for the force of drag to effect it. As the roughness and surface area of the airplane decreases the friction drag will decrease.
Why do designers try to Minimise drag?
Minimizing drag
can save huge amounts of fuel
Thus, the more drag your ride produces, the more fuel it will need to use in order to overcome this force. Some sleek design is fundamental for fuel economy.
