Painonsiirtoa

Painonsiirto is a Finnish term describing the transfer of load or weight from one support point to another as a result of movement or acceleration. It refers to how the vertical load carried by contact surfaces changes when a body or vehicle experiences forces such as gravity, braking, acceleration, or turning. The phenomenon arises from the position of the center of gravity relative to the supports and is influenced by factors such as mass, height of the center of gravity, and the geometry of the contact points.

In vehicle dynamics, painonsiirto occurs in longitudinal and lateral directions. Longitudinal weight transfer moves load between the front and rear axles during braking and accelerating: braking shifts weight forward, increasing front grip and reducing rear grip, while acceleration shifts weight aft. Lateral weight transfer shifts load from the inside to the outside wheels during cornering, affecting tire grip and handling balance. The magnitude depends on vehicle mass, center-of-gravity height, wheelbase, track width, and suspension stiffness. These transfers influence braking distance, cornering behavior, and safety margins.

In sports and biomechanics, painonsiirto describes intentional or natural weight shifting to improve balance, propulsion, or stability. Athletes manipulate weight distribution to optimize traction, turning radius, jump technique, or stance, such as in cycling, skiing, running, or team sports.

In engineering and design, understanding painonsiirto informs the sizing and layout of structures, suspensions, and supports to accommodate dynamic loads. Accurate modelling helps ensure performance, safety, and reliability in vehicles, equipment, and architectural or mechanical systems subjected to movement and acceleration.