Originally posted by Christian:
Originally posted by Big Jim:
You are almost there. If it is producing less power than required to propel the car it is engine braking and that engine braking is assisting in stopping the car.
Okay, that I get. However for maximum braking would the power not be cumulative to the momentum as it is still creating some momentum ... and if you are braking hard, once the velocity drops (if dropping quickly) to match the velocity that the engine is trying to produce, further hard braking is going to be working against the engine too, as the engine is not dropping quick enough to match the drop in velocity, so you're (from that 'sweet spot') braking against both the momentum of the car and the engine's power output (even though it is dropping) ?
Sometimes theory can only go so far in explaining physics. Now it is time to go gather some empirical data to see what really happens. In other words, go experiment on stopping using both engine braking and brakes in various combinations. I think that may be the only way for you to fully see just waht is happening.
The Wright brothers had incorrect theory when trying to make their first flying machine. They had to determine the correct theory on their own to make it actually fly. You can do the same. See for yourself.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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