Free Car Repair Advice by Professional Mechanics
How Does it Work /
Acceleration
Acceleration
Acceleration is the process of changing the rate of velocity or
movement. This is the result of available power from the engine. Usually, the
bigger the engine, the power it makes. However, a turbo charged or supercharged (forced
induction) engine provides an exception to the rule. When air is forced into an
engine using a turbo/supercharger it can produce more power and improved
acceleration with a smaller engine.
Big Block Chevy Horse Power
Whenever you hear someone mention horsepower the
first thing that usually comes to mind are cars; fast cars with extreme torque,
muscle cars with lots of power, and vehicles capable of extreme speed. But why
is horsepower so important? James Watt, a famous 19th
century engineer, created the term "horsepower" in 1782 as he improved the power
of the steam engine. While watching horses haul coal out of a coal mine he came
up with the idea of defining the power exerted by these animals, thus the term "horsepower" was born.
He calculated that a normal horse attached to a mill that ground corn or cut
wood walked in a circle that was 24 feet in diameter. He then calculated that the
horse pulled with a force of 180 pounds. Watt noticed the horse could make 144 trips
around this circle in an hour. That is 2.4 trips per minute. Using these numbers
he calculated that the horse traveled about 180.96 foot per minute then rounded
up and came up with 181 foot per minute. He then multiplied the 181 foot per minute
by 180 pounds of force the horse exerted and came up with the number 32,580 foot
pounds per minute then rounded up again to the number 33,000 foot pounds per minute.
This number is equal to one horsepower.
Mr. Watt used his new term to rate the power of the steam engine. Since
most people were unfamiliar with the steam engine he had to come up with a comparison
measurement that the farmer of the day would understand. As with any measurement
there are different variations and different methods of measuring horsepower or
hp. The normal measurement of horsepower is called mechanical horsepower.
How Does it Work
/ Acceleration
and Horsepower
Check Manufacturer Specific Acceleration
and Horsepower Questions and Answers
Related Subjects
GET AN ONLINE
REPAIR MANUAL
FOR YOUR CAR. Get instant access to your vehicles drive belt routing, wiring
diagrams, trouble code information, updates and factory bulletins.
| 
