1. What is the Turning Radius Formula?

The turning radius formula calculates the minimum circular path a vehicle can make based on its wheelbase and steering angle. It's essential for vehicle design and maneuverability assessment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the turning radius formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the radius of the circle a vehicle's center of mass follows when turning at a given steering angle.

3. Importance of Turning Radius Calculation

Details: Turning radius is crucial for vehicle design, road planning, parking space design, and assessing vehicle maneuverability in various environments.

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 is wheelbase?
A: Wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels of a vehicle.

Q2: Why does steer angle need to be less than 90 degrees?
A: At 90 degrees, the tangent function approaches infinity, making the calculation invalid for practical purposes.

Q3: How does wheelbase affect turning radius?
A: Longer wheelbase vehicles generally have larger turning radii, making them less maneuverable in tight spaces.

Q4: Are there other factors that affect actual turning radius?
A: Yes, factors like tire size, suspension geometry, and steering system design can affect the actual turning radius.

Q5: What are typical turning radius values for vehicles?
A: Passenger cars typically have turning radii between 5-12 meters, while larger vehicles like buses may have radii of 12-25 meters.