Gradeability Formula:
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Gradeability of Vehicle is defined as the ability to climb slopes in degrees or percentage. It represents the maximum gradient that a vehicle can climb at a constant speed without acceleration.
The calculator uses the Gradeability formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the vehicle's ability to climb slopes by considering engine torque, gear reduction, tire characteristics, vehicle weight, and rolling resistance.
Details: Gradeability calculation is crucial for vehicle design, performance evaluation, and determining a vehicle's capability to operate on various terrains and slopes. It helps in selecting appropriate powertrain components and ensuring vehicle safety on inclined surfaces.
Tips: Enter torque in N·m, gear reduction ratio, rolling radius in meters, gross vehicle weight in kg, and rolling resistance percentage. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is considered good gradeability for vehicles?
A: Good gradeability varies by vehicle type. Passenger cars typically have 25-35% gradeability, while heavy trucks may have 15-25%. Off-road vehicles require higher gradeability (30-50%+).
Q2: How does gear reduction affect gradeability?
A: Higher gear reduction increases torque at the wheels, improving gradeability but reducing maximum speed. Lower gear reduction has the opposite effect.
Q3: What factors influence rolling resistance?
A: Tire type, inflation pressure, road surface, vehicle speed, and load distribution all affect rolling resistance percentage.
Q4: Can gradeability be converted between percentage and degrees?
A: Yes, percentage grade = tan(angle) × 100. For example, 100% grade = 45 degrees, 50% grade = 26.57 degrees.
Q5: Why is the constant 10200 used in the formula?
A: The constant 10200 incorporates unit conversions and gravitational acceleration to provide gradeability as a percentage value.