The circle is the path of the ship’s pivot point as it executes a 360° turn. Turning circles and stopping distance (speed trials) provides such essential information to those that control today’s ships. The ship handler, for instance,should be aware of how long it will take for a vessel to become stopped in the water from a full ahead position or how far the vessel will advance in a turn. What is the importance and application of turning circle? The turning circle is the circle diameter, which is described by the most outwardly towering car parts at the maximum steering angle (for example the front bumper corners). The turning diameter thus will always give a higher number for a given vehicle, and the turning diameter measurement is usually preferred by automotive manufacturers. However, strictly mathematically speaking, the turning radius (r) will always be defined as half of the turning diameter (d). Sometimes only the radius is given so for the diameter, or complete circle, multiply the radius by two. Usually measured kerb to kerb using the front outside tyre. Turning circle is the measure of how easy the car will be to park or to perform a U-turn.
