Engineering the World’s Fastest Cars with Jason Fenske & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Summary

In this podcast episode, the hosts and guest expert, Jason Fenske, discuss the physics behind how cars can exceed the maximum acceleration of 1G. Fenske explains that tires work by meshing into the road and pushing laterally against it, exceeding the friction coefficient of 1. The conversation also covers the comparison of different cars' acceleration capabilities, including the differences between electric and combustion engines. The guest expert explains the future of fuel and energy for cars, including the use of hydrogen as a potential alternative to gasoline.

The hosts also touch on the importance of texture on tires and roads for optimal acceleration, and how grooves in the road can provide better traction for vehicles and prevent skidding. The limitation to achieving high speeds on a race track is due to aerodynamic drag, which increases with velocity squared. Drafting behind another vehicle can reduce drag and increase efficiency.

The podcast episode also discusses the potential limitations of electric cars in terms of speed and battery size, and explores the history of engines, including the challenges faced by early attempts at using steam engines for airplanes. The discussion also touches on the challenges of battery disposal and the carbon footprint of electric cars.

Overall, this podcast episode provides a fascinating insight into the world of engineering the world's fastest cars, covering topics such as the physics of acceleration, the future of fuel and energy for cars, and the challenges of sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the racing industry.