Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - What is the relationship between acceleration and fuel economy?

JRMichler · 09-13-2017, 10:30 AM

Start by looking at two cases:

Case 1: Assume a constant low acceleration to a speed. You reach that speed at a distance. Use the engine BSFC chart, gear ratios, and rear axle ratio to find fuel used.

Case 2: Assume a constant high acceleration to the same speed, then constant speed to the same distance as Case 1. Use the engine BSFC chart, gear ratios, and rear axle ratio to find fuel used.

Note that the engine efficiency (BSFC) varies with RPM and throttle opening. The variable engine efficiency is outside the scope of calculus I, so this problem cannot be solved using calculus I math. It would be a good problem for a class in numerical analysis, though.

And good luck with your calculus class. Calculus II and III are even more fun!

09-13-2017, 10:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
JRMichler Master EcoModder Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phillips, WI Posts: 1,013 Nameless - '06 GMC Canyon 90 day: 37.45 mpg (US) 22 Maverick - '22 Ford Maverick XL 90 day: 42.77 mpg (US) Thanks: 188 Thanked 466 Times in 287 Posts	Start by looking at two cases: Case 1: Assume a constant low acceleration to a speed. You reach that speed at a distance. Use the engine BSFC chart, gear ratios, and rear axle ratio to find fuel used. Case 2: Assume a constant high acceleration to the same speed, then constant speed to the same distance as Case 1. Use the engine BSFC chart, gear ratios, and rear axle ratio to find fuel used. Note that the engine efficiency (BSFC) varies with RPM and throttle opening. The variable engine efficiency is outside the scope of calculus I, so this problem cannot be solved using calculus I math. It would be a good problem for a class in numerical analysis, though. And good luck with your calculus class. Calculus II and III are even more fun! __________________ 06 Canyon: The vacuum gauge plus wheel covers helped increase summer 2015 mileage to 38.5 MPG, while summer 2016 mileage was 38.6 MPG without the wheel covers. Drove 33,021 miles 2016-2018 at 35.00 MPG. 22 Maverick: Summer 2022 burned 62.74 gallons in 3145.1 miles for 50.1 MPG. Winter 2023-2024 - 2416.7 miles, 58.66 gallons for 41 MPG.