Traction Circle

Engineering & Applied Technologies Dictionary
Definition
A graphical and conceptual representation of the combined limit between longitudinal (drive/braking) and lateral (cornering) forces a single tire contact patch can produce, commonly expressed by |F| = sqrt(Fx^2 + Fy^2) ≤ μ Fz (or more generally an envelope), indicating that using force in one axis reduces available force in the other.