Automotive 'the garage' subforum.

[xxChrisxx]

Recently there has been a huge jump in the number of automotive related questions in the mechanical forum.
It may be worth looking at putting these in a section of their own.

It gives more scope for 'surgery' type threads, like the suspension setup thread, that aren't pure theory based but tap posters vast practical experience.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

Do you mind making a quick list of links to these threads for review? It might help with the decision.

 

[xxChrisxx]

Diesel ICE with EGR injection timing change
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=574125

Ford 429 Engine Question
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=574149

Suspension Geometry Question
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=574834

Mikes Suspension Surgery Thread
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=326355

Forces on a Piston Engine
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=568945
There are loads more, approximately (I did a quick count) 25-33% of all the questions on the 1st page of the mech eng thread are engine/car related.

They are an even mix of technical theory and design/setup based questions.

 

[Danger]

I think that it's a great idea, Chris. For one thing, it would make it a lot easier for gearheads to find threads than are of particular interest to them.

 

[AlephZero]

On a related "housekeeping" issue, the main PF page says

...
Mechanical Engineering (192 Viewing)
Mechatronics, Robotics, Engines, Audio
Aerospace Engineering
...

What's "Audio" doing under ME? Shouldn't it be under EE?
Maybe there was once a huge interest in Edison phonographs, or some such explanation...

 

[jtbell]

What's "Audio" doing under ME? Shouldn't it be under EE?

Maybe it was supposed to refer to acoustics.

 

[AlephZero]

Maybe it was supposed to refer to acoustics.

OK - in which case "noise and vibration" would be a better description than "audio" IMO.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I have noticed PF is linked to in many automotive forums

 

[WhoWee]

Good idea -

 

[russ_watters]

I think it is a great idea...and I also agree that the audio thing seems a bit weird.

 

[micromass]

Woooooooooot: https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

 

[WhoWee]

Woooooooooot: https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

It's hard to believe we already have that many automotive threads.

 

[dlgoff]

Woooooooooot: https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

Wow. That was fast.

xxChrisxx suggested on the 6th, Automotive Engineering subforum created on the 7th.

 

[micromass]

It's hard to believe we already have that many automotive threads.

We are moving all automotive threads from mechanical engineering to the new forum. So this are not new threads.

If you find a post which should belong in automotive engineering, then please report it or PM an engineering mentor.

 

[OmCheeto]

 

[berkeman]

Wow. That was fast.

xxChrisxx suggested on the 6th, Automotive Engineering subforum created on the 7th.

When Greg doth approveth, we doth jump on it ith.

Plus it was a great suggestion.

 

[WhoWee]

We are moving all automotive threads from mechanical engineering to the new forum. So this are not new threads.

If you find a post which should belong in automotive engineering, then please report it or PM an engineering mentor.

Thanks

 

[rhody]

I have noticed PF is linked to in many automotive forums

While we are at it, can we consider a (fast) motorcycle forum as well ?

On second thought how about a motorcycle technology forum because new features and technologies are constantly being considered and added as they become available.

Rhody...

 

[berkeman]

While we are at it, can we consider a (fast) motorcycle forum as well ?

On second thought how about a motorcycle technology forum because new features and technologies are constantly being considered and added as they become available.

Rhody...

We should be able to mix motorcycles and other automotive vehicles in the single forum for now. If we start to get a lot of motorcycle-related threads, we could ask Greg about a spearate forum.

 

[OmCheeto]

We should be able to mix motorcycles and other automotive vehicles in the single forum for now. If we start to get a lot of motorcycle-related threads, we could ask Greg about a spearate forum.

Motorcycles are no more than ultra-light-weight, two wheeled, convertible automobiles, which inherently, and correctly, lean into a turn.

I cast a yes vote on your analysis.

 

[AlephZero]

Motorcycles are no more than ultra-light-weight, two wheeled, convertible automobiles, which inherently, and correctly, lean into a turn.

You mean ones like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_C1 ?

My personal theory is that they designed that just to prove that Germans DO have a sense of humor. But they have at least one customer in the UK, because I once saw him riding it!

 

[rhody]

You mean ones like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_C1 ?

My personal theory is that they designed that just to prove that Germans DO have a sense of humor. But they have at least one customer in the UK, because I once saw him riding it!

Rhody... snicker... cough... cough...

 

[AlephZero]

Rhody... snicker... cough... cough...

You're only jealous because they never marketed these in the USA

 

[Ryan_m_b]

You mean ones like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_C1 ?

My personal theory is that they designed that just to prove that Germans DO have a sense of humor. But they have at least one customer in the UK, because I once saw him riding it!

Lol, I used to live in Highgate in London and loads of people had these. Weird.

 

[rhody]

You're only jealous because they never marketed these in the USA

Yeah, I could feel a new sensation of rolling the entire bike (while vertical) like a hula hoop instead of on two wheels in hurricane like tailwinds. That would be a unique experience.

Rhody...

 

[I like Serena]

You mean ones like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_C1 ?

My personal theory is that they designed that just to prove that Germans DO have a sense of humor. But they have at least one customer in the UK, because I once saw him riding it!

I've followed this one with interest since its introduction.
It's a car with the advantages of a motorbike!

It has seat belts.
You're allowed to drive it without a helmet, because this is the only motorbike that prevents your head from hitting anything.
You're dry in the rain.
But it's still narrow enough to drive through traffic jams and to park on the sidewalk.

I'm still wondering why it's not more popular!?

 

[xxChrisxx]

Becuase it's practical and slow.
And no one buys a bike to be practical or slow.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

I've followed this one with interest since its introduction.
It's a car with the advantages of a motorbike!...
I'm still wondering why it's not more popular!?

I'd hazard a guess it's because it's ugly looking.

 

[WhoWee]

I had high hopes for this 3 wheeler.

http://www.gizmag.com/the-plug-in-hybrid-carving-three-wheeler-from-venture/6842/

"Article Summary
February 17, 2007 UPDATED IMAGES Venture Vehicles has formally announced in Los Angeles, the development of a revolutionary (not to mention very cool), 3-wheel, tilting, plug-in Hybrid vehicle under the working name VentureOne. It’s a two-passenger Hybrid vehicle that will get 100 mpg, accelerate from 0-60 in 6 seconds, will have a top speed of over 100 mph, while being priced at under US$20,000. In addition to the low-emission, flex-fuel Hybrid model, a zero-emission all-electric version is also being developed that will have an all-electric range of nearly 200 miles. A key feature of the VentureOne is the patented Dynamic Vehicle Control tilting technology from Dutch-based Carver Engineering that allows the body of the vehicle to actually tilt when going through turns while all three wheels maintain firm contact with the road. Carver already sells petrol-engined versions of the machine, and the Phiaro 3-wheeler is also closely based on the Carver. But a plug-in hybrid with a 200 mile electric range and sportscar performance is very enticing. Production is not scheduled until late 2008 and Venture Vehicles will initially offer two propulsion packages for the VentureOne: the hybrid E50 and Q100, and all-electric Venture EV model. The US$23,000 all-electric model will top the range while the E50 hybrid will sell for US$18,000 and the Q100 hybrid is expected to be priced under US$20,000."

 

[AlephZero]

I'm still wondering why it's not more popular!?

In the UK, the words "Sinclair C5" might come to mind, at least for people of a certain age.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_C5