GRADIENT RESISTANCE
Introduction: The gradient resistance or downhill force relates to the slope descending force and is calculated from the weight acting at the center of gravity. Gradient resistance: F St =m F g sinα St The road gradient q is defined as the quotient of the vertical and horizontal projections of the roadway. When designing roads, gradients of more than 7% are normally avoided. Sinα St ≈ tanα St = q/100 Except in extreme cases, the following approximation is valid: Fig: Forces acting on the vehicle travelling uphill