RE: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Physics of a V shaped bumper (was computer and car prices (was Re: [MLUG]))

["Ross, Matt" <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

> You've reduced enough enough of it, it doesn't take much to 
> make a car unstable.  If you drive a non sport car, find your 
> self a nice big parking lot, get up to 40 mph turn the wheel 
> slightly and add brakeing pressure until you feel the back to 
> get light and want to come around, it might not take as much 
> as you think.

Actually, the threat there isn't spinning. Its rolling. I've done this in
the snow with a minivan when I was learning to drive in winter.  You spin
just fine and don't have trouble in the snow, but on even wet pavement, the
outer wheels lift off the road, and had I been going faster, the car would
have rolled.  You also have to keep in mind that the wheels aren't turning
in this process, the cars are just buffeted to the side of each other.

Now, if your talking about fishtailing rather than spinning. Then I might
agree somewhat, but then your momentum is going to take you off the road and
into the ditch, or if someone is in the next lane, buffeting them instead.

(For those just joining the conversation, I've already conceded that the V
shape won't work because of low speed side impacts.)
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