# Approach (departure) angle

Not Reviewed
alpha =
Approach (departure) angle
Variable Instructions Datatype
(h) "height" Height of impact point of bumber or undercarriage. Decimal (in)
(l)"length" Length from impact point to tire contact to the ground. Decimal (in)
Type
Equation
Category
vCommons
Contents
2 variables
Tags:
Rating
ID
KurtHeckman.Approach (departure) angle
UUID
15cce21e-92c9-11e4-a9fb-bc764e2038f2

The Approach angle calculator computes the maximum angle of a ramp onto which a   APPROACH ANGLE (α)  h - height : L - length) vehicle can climb from a horizontal plane without interference (scraping) the ramp or incline.   See a YouTube video on how to use this calculator by clicking HERE.
For ground clearance between the axles, consider the Break-over Angle Calculator  (CLICK HERE).
INSTRUCTIONS: Enter the following:

• (h) the height of the undercarriage in front of the wheel (see diagram)
• (L) the length from the tire contact point to the front of the undercarriage (see diagram)

Note: The default units are in inches(in).  However other units (e.g. centimeters) can be selected via the pull-down menu on the right of the input fields.

# Description

α° = Approach angle:  ß°  = Departure angle
Break-over Angle (β )
Camber Angle (Φ)

Approach angle (α) is the maximum angle of a ramp onto which a vehicle can climb from a horizontal plane without interference. It is defined as the angle between the ground and the line drawn between the front tire and the lowest-hanging part of the vehicle at the front overhang. Departure angle (ß) is its counterpart at the rear of the vehicle – the maximum ramp angle from which the car can descend without damage. Approach and departure angles are also referred to as ramp angles

Approach and departure angles are indicators of off-road ability of the vehicle: they indicate how steep obstacles, such as rocks or logs, the vehicle can negotiate according to its body shape alone.

## Measuring

To calculate your approach or departure angle, put your vehicle on a flat and level surface.  Next, measure the height (h) and length (l) and enter the values into vCalc.  To measure the height and length, take a straight rod or board, wedge it under the tire from directly in front of the tire for the approach angle or directly from behind the tire for the departure angle, and then rotate it up unit it touches the vehicle.  The location where it touches is the impact point.  The length (l) is the measure from the impact point to the ground where the rod touches the ground wedged under the tire.  The height (h) is the vertical distance from the impact point to the ground.  (See diagram)

# References

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Approach_and_departure_angles