How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the horsepower (HP) rating of your engine. This is typically found in the vehicle's specifications.
- Input the engine speed in RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). This can be measured with a tachometer or obtained from vehicle performance data.
- Specify the radius of the drive shaft (in meters). The default value (0.05 m) is suitable for most passenger vehicles, but you can adjust this for different applications.
- Click the "Calculate" button to compute the resulting force in Newtons and the approximate mass equivalent.
Understanding the Calculation
The calculator uses the physical relationship between power, force, and velocity:
Power (P) = Force (F) × Velocity (V)
Where:
- Power is measured in watts (W), with 1 horsepower = 745.7 watts
- Force is measured in newtons (N)
- Velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s), which is derived from RPM and radius
The formula used is: F = (HP × 745.7) / (2 × π × Speed × Radius)
Applications
This calculator is useful for:
- Engineering calculations in vehicle dynamics and powertrain design
- Understanding how engine power translates to force at the wheels
- Comparing different engine configurations based on their force output
- Calculating the effective force available for acceleration or traction