1. What is Turn Radius?

Turn radius is the minimum radius of the circle a vehicle can turn within, determined by its wheelbase and steering angle. It's a critical measurement for vehicle maneuverability and road design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the turn radius formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Turn radius (m)
• \( WB \) — Wheelbase (m)
• \( \theta \) — Steer angle (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum turning circle radius based on the vehicle's wheelbase and the steering angle of the wheels.

3. Importance of Turn Radius Calculation

Details: Accurate turn radius calculation is essential for vehicle design, road infrastructure planning, and determining parking space requirements and maneuverability in confined spaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wheelbase in meters and steer angle in degrees. Both values must be positive numbers, with steer angle between 0-90 degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect turn radius besides wheelbase?
A: Track width, steering system design, tire characteristics, and suspension geometry also influence the actual turning radius.

Q2: Why is turn radius important for vehicle design?
A: It determines the vehicle's maneuverability in tight spaces, affects parking requirements, and influences overall vehicle handling characteristics.

Q3: How does steer angle relate to turn radius?
A: Larger steer angles result in smaller turn radii, allowing tighter turns. The relationship is inverse and non-linear due to the tangent function.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This is a simplified model that assumes perfect steering geometry and doesn't account for factors like tire slip, suspension travel, or Ackermann steering principles.

Q5: How is turn radius used in road design?
A: Civil engineers use turn radius calculations to design road curves, intersections, and roundabouts that accommodate various vehicle types safely.