The UW did a rws car back in '81, a 50cc chainsaw motor and electrical
conduit, the problem for it was that the very long wheelbase coupled with a
tricycle rear steered wheel and a driver only a couple of feet ahead of the
rear wheel made it very tippy, a 30+ mpg turn would cause it to fall over.
but that was because the cg was pretty far aft, and thereby close to the
wheel contact patch lines between front and rear tires. (center of front
wheel contact patch to rear wheel patch,) the cg was pretty close to this
line compared to a 4 wheel (rectangular ) car, and this was surmised to
cause the tippyness. it did get lots of MPG though......
John Robinson, Mechanician
Mechanical Engineering University of Wisconsin
1513 University Ave.
Madison, Wi. 53706
608-262-3606
Current World Land Speed Record Holder
Bonneville Salt Flats
H/GCC 92 cu.in. 1980 Dodge Colt
144.396 MPH set 2000
MPS-PG 441 c.c. 1967 BSA Victor Motorcycle
95.193 MPH set 2001
Antarctic Ice Driller Oct02-Jan03
|