Anyone that studied physics may have learned that the force required to slide an object over the surface of another object depends on the coefficient of friction between the two surfaces....keep reading this gets FUN.
F=uN
F-force required to move object
u-coeff. of friction between the materials
N-normal force of the objects (pressing down onto the sub-surface)
Car lingo:
F-handling/braking forces
u-sticky tires and grabby pads
N-weight of the car pressing the tires down, or the caliper piston force.
Notice anything missing?
AREA!!! So that tells you that no matter how much area of contact you have, the sliding force, F, depends only on the Mass of the object (contact force), and the coeff. of friction u.
When I first learned this, my hand shot up in class. My questions revealed where my mind was at the time. "So, why do wider tires make my car handle better?" "Why does everyone talk about more swept area when bragging about brakes?" AREA doesn't even get to play in the equation of force and friction!
If the AREA of contact does not even come into play when figuring out braking force or handling, based on the equation above, which is correct with assumptions, then why does everyone talk about MORE AREA for brake pads and tires?
CLASS, DISCUSS!
Quiz on Friday. I'll be on vacation until then at Hershey Park in PA!!!!
BTW, the Hershey Park Auto Museum has a 240Z on display. I can't wait to check it out. What size wrench do I need to pull the rear bumper? LOL.