Sport Rider Photos
A traction circle shows lateral forces on the horizontal axis and longitudinal forces on the vertical axis. Right turns are on the right, left turns on the left; acceleration is toward the top, braking toward the bottom. Using this layout the total acceleration can be plotted at any given time. For example, the point shown in the top left quadrant represents accelerating from a left-hand bend. Likewise, trail braking into a right-hand corner would generate data in the bottom right quadrant. More total force shows as a point closer to the outside of the circle; less force is toward the center. The characteristics of the tire and pavement dictate the maximum total acceleration available, shown visually as a circle.
Data Acquisition Traction Circle