flankwinkel
Flankwinkel refers to the angle of the rear tires of a vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. It is a parameter that is particularly relevant in the context of vehicle dynamics and tire modeling. A positive flankwinkel indicates that the tire is angled outwards from the vehicle's center line, while a negative flankwinkel indicates an inward angle. This angle can arise from various factors including suspension geometry, tire mounting, or specific vehicle modifications. While small flankwinkel values are often unavoidable due to manufacturing tolerances or the natural behavior of a tire under load, larger or intentional flankwinkel can significantly influence a vehicle's handling characteristics. For instance, it can affect tire slip angles and contribute to steering response. In some specialized applications, flankwinkel might be deliberately engineered to achieve particular performance objectives, though it is not a commonly discussed parameter in everyday automotive terms. Understanding flankwinkel is important for accurate tire force and moment calculations used in simulations and vehicle design.