Until we designed this rolling resistance calculator, calculating rolling resistance was challenging. We performed all the math and science for you, so you don't have to. You can use this calculator to determine whether you should get those high-tech low-rolling-resistance tires to save money on gas or to increase your cycling wattage production.

Fundamentals of Rolling Resistance

Although most people may not fully comprehend rolling resistance, everyone appears to understand what it signifies. When you're driving, it has to do with your wheels. In general, you want as little rolling resistance as possible, which you may achieve by using low rolling resistance tires. Some of you may even be aware that rolling resistance is a form of friction that causes you to slow down.

All of it is right, but we're here to assist you in going even further. Did you even know the rolling resistance is determined by the weight of your car, bike, or train, not by the size of your tires? Learning physics underlying it is the greatest approach to explain it. The simplest method is to use a rolling resistance calculator to see how each element influences, for example, the rolling resistance of a bike tire. We'll also strive to find a reasonable balance between the variables. So, how about it?

Tire Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance is frequently mentioned in regard to car tires. This is because rolling resistance is caused by the tire's contact with the road and how they react to each other. Changing the tires on your automobile or bike is the simplest, least expensive, and quickest way to modify the rolling resistance.

Low rolling resistance tires are now available to help reduce the amount of energy wasted on the road while driving. These are usually more expensive and are not cost-effective for the ordinary user. The difference between a conventional tire and a low rolling resistance tire can be the distinction between first and last place in performance applications.

But don't be misled by this; rolling resistance isn't just a property of tires. When an object rolls on top of a surface, it creates rolling resistance. Let's take a look at why.

What is the source of Rolling Resistance?

As previously stated, rolling resistance arises when a rolling item collides with a surface. We may use wheels as our round objects for practical reasons because that is how all land transportation operates. 

When we look at the easiest form of rolling resistance, we could see that the rolling resistance formula, RR: only has two significant components.

RR = μ · N

Where,

  • μ = coefficient of friction
  • N = normal force

In truth, the situation is far more complicated than it appears, as assessing the worth of is a difficult task. In general, it depends on the surfaces that come into contact (wheel and tarmac/rail/ground), but it can also be affected by speed, temperature, pressure, lubrication, and a variety of other factors.

The friction force in between wheels and the surface is the simplest solution to causes rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is created by anything in a wheel or on the surface that detracts energy from the vehicle's forward motion. You can probably understand how something so simple might become so complicated. That's why we made this rolling resistance calculator.

Find similar concepts related to physics all under one roof at Physicscalculatorpro.com and resolve all your doubts as a part of your homework or assignment.

FAQs on Rolling Resistance Calculator

1. What is a tire's rolling resistance?

Tire rolling resistance is the amount of energy your vehicle must deliver to your tyres in order to keep moving at a constant speed across a surface. To put it another way, it is the amount of work required to keep a tyre rolling. The most important factor in rolling resistance is hysteresis.

2. What is rolling resistance's coefficient?

The coefficient of friction force or resistance indicates how much resistance there is between the wheel and the surface it is rolling on for a given normal force.

3. What is an example of rolling friction?

Rolling friction or rolling resistance is the force that opposes the motion of a rolling body on a surface. Rolling friction is demonstrated by a ball or wheel rolling on the ground. Sliding friction is the other form of friction.

4. Is there a relationship between rolling resistance and speed?

At greater speeds, the rolling resistance force remains constant. However, because faster speeds produce a lot more heat, the cyclist must use more force (energy per second) to overcome rolling resistance.

5. What is the difference between static and kinetic friction when it comes to rolling friction?

Rolling friction, rather than kinetic friction, occurs when objects "roll without slipping." This example implies that the object has enough static friction to maintain it rolling instead of sliding, but the static friction is not competing with the motion; rather, it is the process that permits the object to rotate.