Pöörlemisraadius

Pöörlemisraadius is an Estonian term that translates to "turning radius" in English. It refers to the smallest circular path a vehicle or object can take as it turns, measured from the center of the vehicle to the inside wheel of the turn. The concept is crucial in automotive design, robotics, and other fields that involve maneuvering space constraints.

The turning radius is determined by the geometry of the steering system and the wheelbase of the vehicle. In a simple Ackermann steering model, the outer wheel follows a larger circle while the inner wheel follows a smaller one, and the average of these paths defines the effective turning radius. For articulated vehicles, the angular configuration of the joints and the length of each segment also influence the radius.

Calculating the turning radius typically involves trigonometric relationships. For a vehicle with wheelbase L and a minimum steering angle δ, the radius R can be approximated by R = L / tan(δ). More complex models, such as bicycle models or multi-axle simulations, use numerical integration to predict path curvature accurately.

In practice, the turning radius helps engineers assess parking requirements, manufacturing plant layouts, and urban traffic flow. Vehicles with smaller turning radii can navigate tight spaces, making them preferable for city driving and performance cars. Conversely, larger turning radii are common in heavy trucks and buses, where stability and trailer behaviour dominate design priorities. Understanding and optimizing the turning radius remain key tasks in mechanical and automotive engineering, ensuring safety, efficiency, and usability across a range of moving platforms.