1. What is Turn Radius?

The turn radius is the minimum radius of the circular path an object takes when making a turn while banked at a specific angle. This calculation is particularly important in aviation and vehicle dynamics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the turn radius equation:

Where:

• \( R \) — Turn radius (m)
• \( v \) — Velocity (m/s)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
• \( \theta \) — Bank angle (radians)

Explanation: The equation shows that turn radius increases with the square of velocity and decreases with higher bank angles.

3. Importance of Turn Radius Calculation

Details: Understanding turn radius is crucial for aircraft navigation, road design, and any situation where vehicles or objects need to make controlled turns at speed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter velocity in m/s, gravity in m/s² (default is Earth's gravity), and bank angle in radians. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does velocity affect turn radius?
A: Turn radius increases with the square of velocity - doubling speed quadruples the required turn radius.

Q2: What are typical bank angles?
A: For aircraft, typical bank angles range from 15-30 degrees (0.26-0.52 radians) for passenger comfort.

Q3: How to convert degrees to radians?
A: Multiply degrees by π/180 (approximately 0.0174533).

Q4: Does this equation apply to all vehicles?
A: This is a simplified model that works well for aircraft and vehicles making coordinated turns.

Q5: What about other factors like friction?
A: For ground vehicles, friction coefficients would need to be considered in addition to bank angle.