Acceleration:
The measure of how quickly a velocity changes when an unbalanced force acts on an object. Acceleration is measured in meters per second per second (or feet per second per second).
Aerodynamics:
The study of air in motion.
Bernoulli Principle:
Based on conservation of energy in moving fluids. It states that a moving fluid, such as air, will exert less pressure when it is moving quickly than when it is moving more slowly. The principle is named after Swiss scientist, Daniel Bernoulli. (1700-1782).
Center of Gravity:
The center of gravity of an object refers to its balance point.
Cohesion:
Molecules of one type attract molecules of another type. (Adhesion is one type of molecule attracting a molecule of the same type.)
Downforce:
Downforce pushes the Indy car against the track. It is similar to lift on airplanes, only it is in reverse. Downforce is measured in newtons or pounds. It enhances traction in the corners, allowing drivers to take corners at higher speeds.
Doppler Effect:
When objects such as motors vibrate the air around us, we hear these airwaves as sounds. The pitch of the sound we hear depends on the frequency with which the airwaves hit our ears. If the object is moving, it changes the frequency detected by our ears. This effect was first analyzed by the Austrian physicist, J.C. Doppler (1803-1853).
Exothermic:
Refers to any chemical reaction that releases more energy than it uses. (Endothermic refers to any chemical reaction that absorbs more energy than it releases).
Fuel Cell:
Individually fabricated to fit the design of each car, these bladderlike gas tanks are made to military ballistic specifications with heavy-duty rubber material. They are located behind the driver and in front of the engine and are virtually puncture-proof.
Methanol:
Methyl alcohol is a colorless, poisonous liquid (CH3OH) that can be used as a fuel or as a solvent. Methanol can be made from wood, or manufactured synthetically.
PPG CART World Series:
Driving open-wheel racing cars, drivers and their sponsoring teams compete in some 17 events in four countries (United States, Canada, Brazil and Australia). The series is organized and regulated by CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams). Races are held on four different types of tracks: superspeedways, short ovals, temporary street circuits and permanent road courses. Events are broadcast on a live or tape-delay basis in 197 countries.
Venturi Effect:
Less pressure is exerted laterally in a fluid when it is moving quickly than when it is moving more slowly. This principle was explained by Swiss scientist, Daniel Bernoulli, in the eighteenth century.
Viscosity:
Viscosity is the ability of a fluid to resist forces that make it flow. Low-viscosity liquids such as water flow easily, whereas high-viscosity liquids such as molasses flow sluggishly. When the oils viscosity is optimum in a car, moving parts slide on the oil, allowing them to move against each other without direct contact.