pöörderaadiuse

Pöörderaadius, in English commonly referred to as turning radius or turning circle, is a fundamental concept in vehicle dynamics and engineering. It quantifies the smallest circular path a vehicle can follow when making a complete turn. There are typically two main measurements associated with a vehicle's turning radius: the curb-to-curb turning radius and the wall-to-wall turning radius.

The curb-to-curb turning radius is the diameter of the circle traced by the outermost point of the vehicle when turning without touching a curb. This is often the figure quoted by manufacturers. The wall-to-wall turning radius, on the other hand, considers the vehicle's ability to turn within a confined space, taking into account the overhangs of the vehicle. This measurement is generally larger than the curb-to-curb radius.

Several factors influence a vehicle's pöörderaadius. The most significant is the steering geometry, specifically the angle to which the front wheels can turn. The wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) and the track width (the distance between the centers of the wheels on the same axle) also play crucial roles. Longer wheelbases and wider track widths generally result in larger turning radii. Maneuverability in urban environments, parking, and navigating tight corners are directly affected by a vehicle's pöörderaadius.