Problem 17.31

A car having a weight of 4000 lb begins to skid and turn with the brakes applied to all four wheels. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the wheels and the road is μk = 0.56. Tipping will begin to occur after the car rotates 90∘ from its original direction of motion and, as shown in (Figure 1) , undergoes translation while skidding.

 

 

 

Part A

Determine the maximum critical height h of the center of gravity G such that the car does not overturn. Hint: Draw a free-body diagram of the car viewed from the front. When tipping occurs, the normal reactions of the wheels on the right side (or passenger side) are zero.

Express your answer to three significant figures and include the appropriate units.

h =

4.46 ft