Question

Read the 2008 paper by Spanos et al. “A nonlinear model for top fuel dragster dynamic performance assessment” (attached to this file) as an example. Even if you don’t understand everything in the paper, please try to answer the following questions in your own words after reading it:

Here is a link to the paper:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261913459_dragsterSAE

a) What is the general aim of this paper?

b) Did the authors actually test the predictions of their model?

c) Do you think the simulations are reliable? Why / why not?

d) Do you think the authors are racers themselves?

e) Do you recognize some of the concepts we discussed in class and in other courses at ODU?

f) Do you believe you would be able to carry out such a theoretical research project yourself on a different racecar of your interest? If not, what can the university / department / instructor do better to provide you with the necessary skills (assuming you think it would be worthwhile for you to have this type of proficiency)?

Answer 1

a) To understand and enhance the performance of a top fuel dragster in an actual race and it is found that it can be used to improve the aerodynamics, the engine and clutch set-ups of the vehicle, and to possibly facilitate the redesign of the dragster.

b) I believe they must have gone through the simulation and analysis because its a dynamic model . otherwise we can not get such results without using actual analysis. Numerical simulation is the prediction of test model done by the authors.

c) simulations are reliable depending upon the given analysis, but seeing the numerical results only we cannot claim for its real working situations feasibility without testing.

d) whether the authors are racers or not, it can not be concluded based on the research paper. you can contact them directly through the link provided by you.

e) question is concern to your class notes.

f) question is concern to your university whether such facility is availaible in your university or not.