sivuttaiskiihtyvyyttä

Sivuttaiskiihtyvyyttä, often translated as lateral acceleration, refers to the acceleration experienced by an object perpendicular to its direction of motion. In vehicles, this typically manifests as acceleration sideways, such as when turning. This force is a consequence of Newton's second law, where a change in the direction of velocity requires a net force acting towards the center of the turn. The magnitude of the lateral acceleration depends on the speed of the vehicle and the radius of the turn. Higher speeds or tighter turns result in greater lateral acceleration.

The effects of lateral acceleration are most commonly felt by occupants within a moving system. During a turn, passengers are pushed outwards relative to the direction of the turn. This sensation is due to inertia; the body tends to continue moving in a straight line while the vehicle changes direction. The human body can tolerate certain levels of lateral acceleration, but exceeding these limits can lead to discomfort, physical strain, or even injury. Engineers consider lateral acceleration in vehicle design, particularly for sports cars and aircraft, to optimize performance, stability, and passenger safety. It is also a critical factor in the design of roller coasters and other amusement rides.