Knickwinkel

Knickwinkel is a German term describing the angle formed by a bend in a straight line. It is used in engineering, architecture, carpentry, piping and other fields where a change of direction occurs in a linear element. The knickwinkel is specified in degrees and can refer to either the interior or exterior angle, depending on the reference convention.

In piping and ductwork, knickwinkel is realized with elbow fittings or bends. Common standard values include 90 degrees and 45 degrees, while custom projects may require other angles such as 30 or 60 degrees. The angle choice affects space planning, flow characteristics, and stress distribution at the bend.

Design considerations accompanying the knickwinkel include the bend radius, wall thickness, and material properties. A tighter bend angle often requires a larger radius of curvature to reduce stress concentrations and avoid interference with neighboring components; greater angles can increase bending stress if radii are not adjusted.

Etymology and usage: The term comes from knick (bend, kink) and winkel (angle) and is predominantly used in German-language technical literature. In other languages, the equivalent concept is described as bend angle, elbow angle, or offset angle. Knickwinkel may also be encountered as a surname in German-speaking regions.