Energy efficiency of a Mechwarrior

Nothwithstanding the losses in moving "limbs" with hydraulics, how would a walker, like:

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be in energy efficiency as compared to a wheeled vehicle? Seems like a less robust walker, coupled with well designed bearings might be more efficient. Besides, you could walk over a traffic jam.

Any thoughts?

David A. Smith

Reply to
dlzc1.cox
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Well, a human being on a bicycle can travel, what, 20 times further than the same person on foot, from the same amount of food.

Dennis

Reply to
DT

*Not* the same amount of food. Riding a bicycle is considered aerobic exercise, and burns more calories per minute than walking. Though not "20 times more". On a velocity per velocity basis, riding a bicycle is less efficient.

Other points well taken.

David A. Smith

Reply to
dlzc1.cox

Well, Dave, as a engineer and former, serious bicycle rider and distance runner, I take exception to your statements. On a velocity per velocity basis, a wheeled rider is FAR, FAR more efficient that a walker/runner. You can ride nearly forever at a casual 10 mph pace, but few people can even run that fast at all, unless they are in training, and then only for a relatively short distance. To maintain a walking pace, a bike rider only has to gently stroke maybe once every 10 seconds or so.

At faster speeds, the difference grows exponentially. I could ride at 20 mph for 100 miles, yet I could hit 20 mph while running for maybe 10 seconds before becoming completely exhausted.

Yes, bicycle riding is aerobic, that's what you want! Aerobic means your body can supply energy at the same rate it is using it, a continuous process providing you 'refuel' often enough. But running at the same speed as even very slow riding is anaerobic excerise, and your body is quickly depleted.

Riding does NOT use more energy per minute than walking. Much of the effiency of riding comes from the wheels, being able to coast between strokes, maintaining forward progress with zero energy input. This is simply impossible while walking/running. Stop moving your legs, you stop, period.

Even going downhill while running is tiring, very punishing. A walker gains very little from a downhill path, while a rider gains, well, an infinite amount. As long as it is downhill, he expends zero energy.

Dennis

Reply to
DT

Dear DT:

I don't know about this. The screaming has got to consume some energy... ;>}

David A. Smith

Reply to
dlzc1.cox

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