Breakover angle

Breakover angle or rampover angle is the maximum possible supplementary angle (usually expressed in degrees) that a vehicle, with at least one forward wheel and one rear wheel, can drive over without the apex of that angle touching any point of the vehicle other than the wheels.[1][2][3] This definition is contingent upon the wheels being in continuous contact with the supporting surface(s). Breakover angle differs from ground clearance, which is the shortest distance between the ground and lowest point on the vehicle.

β° = Breakover angle; C = Underside of chassis; W = Wheel; G = Ground; M = Midpoint of wheelbase
Example of a vehicle at a significant breakover angle.

Relevance
MUTCD warning sign for a low-ground-clearance crossing

Breakover angle is a relevant performance metric in many common vehicle scenarios, including:

If a vehicle drives over a breakover angle larger than what it is capable of clearing, the vehicle will contact the apex of the angle, which will quite likely prevent the vehicle from continuing any further in its direction of travel, possibly even completely immobilizing the vehicle.

Calculation

Assuming no tire deflection, and assuming an ideal breakover angle scenario (two flat surfaces coming to a point, a vehicle with the lowest point of the chassis located at its midsection, etc.), an approximation for the breakover angle of a vehicle can be calculated as follows:

See also

References
  1. Division of the Federal Register, United States: The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States of America, page 447. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1979. ISSN 1946-4975
  2. SAE J689: Cancelled AUG 2009 Curbstone Clearance, Approach, Departure, and Ramp Breakover Angles--Passenger Car and Light Truck
  3. SAE J1100 NOV 2009 Motor Vehicle Dimensions
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