rolling resistance
Wheel deformation friction
Rolling resistance is the force that opposes motion when a wheel or ball rolls across a surface.
It arises mainly from deformation—the tire flattens slightly against pavement, absorbing energy.
Lower rolling resistance improves fuel efficiency: Low rolling resistance tires can save a few percent on gas.
The concept applies wherever round objects meet surfaces: bearings, railroad wheels, aircraft tires.
Number multiplying a variable
- hysteresisHistory-dependent system response
- deformationChange in shape
- energy lossPower that escapes unused
- viscoelasticityCombined fluid-solid deformation behavior
stiffness · damping · elasticity · load · pressure · friction · adhesion · creepage
Surface that grips ground
- sidewallLateral tire surface
- compoundCombined into one
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- pneumaticUsing pressurized gas
radial · tire pressure · underinflation · overinflation · casing · bead · ply
Vehicle efficiency rating
- fuel efficiencyOutput per unit burned
- rangeExtent of variation
- coastingMoving without active effort
- wheel bearingsFriction-reducing axle components
aerodynamics · electric vehicles · regenerative braking · miles per gallon · energy consumption · powertrain
Hard road covering
- asphaltPetroleum-based paving material
- concreteSolid building mixture
- gravelLoose small rock fragments
- microtextureMinute surface irregularities
roughness · wet roads · rail · steel wheels · track · soft ground · sand · grass
coefficient
Number multiplying a variable
- hysteresisHistory-dependent system response
- deformationChange in shape
- energy lossPower that escapes unused
viscoelasticity · stiffness · damping · elasticity · load · pressure · friction · adhesion · creepage · flexing
tread
Surface that grips ground
pneumatic · radial · tire pressure · underinflation · overinflation · casing · bead · ply
fuel economy
Vehicle efficiency rating
- fuel efficiencyOutput per unit burned
- rangeExtent of variation
- coastingMoving without active effort
wheel bearings · aerodynamics · electric vehicles · regenerative braking · miles per gallon · energy consumption · powertrain
pavement
Hard road covering
- asphaltPetroleum-based paving material
- concreteSolid building mixture
- gravelLoose small rock fragments
microtexture · roughness · wet roads · rail · steel wheels · track · soft ground · sand · grass · carpet
rolling resistancedriving force
Power behind movement
thrust · traction · momentum · inertia · forward motion
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