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Funny thing about ABS systems is that the pump actually forces the brake pads open. The designer's thinking is that a turning wheel is able to steer, while a ve

by chiph 13y ago

Funny thing about ABS systems is that the pump actually forces the brake pads open. The designer's thinking is that a turning wheel is able to steer, while a vehicle with sliding wheels is directed pretty much by momentum alone. This results in longer stopping distances. So far as ice -- it's coefficient of friction in the real world is not a constant -- it varies based on local conditions. So you can't predict your ability to stop & steer on it - you can only react. Your best defense is to install ice-rated tires in early winter to increase your traction. Google will likely have to do some testing in Wisconsin to see how the software reacts to icy conditions, and is able to somehow automatically recognize ice/slush and adjust stopping/acceleration rates appropriately.

lutorm 13y ago
Well, in principle ABS shouldn't necessarily result in longer stopping distance: sliding friction is lower than static friction, so if you can control the braking precisely enough, not locking the wheels should result in shorter stopping distance along with not losing control. I'm not saying current systems are that good, though.
- sp332 13y ago
  "ABS generally offers improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distances on dry and slippery surfaces for many drivers; however, on loose surfaces like gravel or snow-covered pavement, ABS can significantly increase braking distance, although still improving vehicle control." (with citations) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system
- chiph 13y ago
  On dry surfaces, a professional driver is able to do Threshold Braking, which in non-ABS cars maximizes stopping power by taking braking just up to the limit before the tires start sliding. On cars with ABS, the intent is to minimize the rate at which the ABS pump activates in order to maximize stopping power (pulse ... pulse ... pulse vs. pulse.pulse.pulse) ABS has an advantage over regular systems in that the computer is able to control braking effort on a per-wheel basis. Something a human with only one pedal to push can't do. IIRC, the best ABS systems are able to cycle at about 10Hz. Something I vaguely recall reading about is that in a panic stop on ice, the heat from the sliding friction will melt a very small bit of ice under the contact patch, turning it into a hydroplaning situation. I need to see if I can find that reference again...

by chiph 13y ago

lutorm 13y ago

Well, in principle ABS shouldn't necessarily result in longer stopping distance: sliding friction is lower than static friction, so if you can control the braking precisely enough, not locking the wheels should result in shorter stopping distance along with not losing control. I'm not saying current systems are that good, though.

sp332 13y ago
"ABS generally offers improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distances on dry and slippery surfaces for many drivers; however, on loose surfaces like gravel or snow-covered pavement, ABS can significantly increase braking distance, although still improving vehicle control." (with citations) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system
chiph 13y ago
On dry surfaces, a professional driver is able to do Threshold Braking, which in non-ABS cars maximizes stopping power by taking braking just up to the limit before the tires start sliding. On cars with ABS, the intent is to minimize the rate at which the ABS pump activates in order to maximize stopping power (pulse ... pulse ... pulse vs. pulse.pulse.pulse) ABS has an advantage over regular systems in that the computer is able to control braking effort on a per-wheel basis. Something a human with only one pedal to push can't do. IIRC, the best ABS systems are able to cycle at about 10Hz. Something I vaguely recall reading about is that in a panic stop on ice, the heat from the sliding friction will melt a very small bit of ice under the contact patch, turning it into a hydroplaning situation. I need to see if I can find that reference again...