A fully loaded wheeled scraper (Model #: 615C) must travel down a 3% slope on an unmaintained hard road (tire penetration is 5 inches and the coefficient of traction is estimated to be 0.45 when traveling downhill, tire penetration is 3 inches and the coefficient of traction is estimated to be 0.45 when traveling uphill), and then return to the same location. Only the front tires of this scraper are powered, and you can obtain the following information from the manufacturer’s data. Empty vehicle weight (uphill): 97,000 lb Fully loaded vehicle weight (downhill): 172,000 lb When empty, 37% of the weight on the rear tires, 63% on the front tires When fully loaded, 50% of the weight on the rear tires, 50% on the front tires Please estimate what is the total resistance force when returning and traveling up the slope with vehicle empty?
Select one:
a. 9,215 lbs.
b. 19,677 lbs.
c. 11,180 lbs.
d. 21,500 lbs.
