Differential

Function of a Differential

When turning a corner, the outer wheels will follow a path with a greater radius of curvature. This difference in radius means the outside wheels will have tp travel a longer distance, and rotate faster than the inside wheels.in a rear wheel drive car, the frint two wheels are allowed to rotate at a different rate, so this does not pose a problem. The rear wheels, however, both have to be driven by the enginw, and therefore mechanically connected to eachother, so there is no freedom of movement between them inherent in the design.

[need a pic of cornering to demonstrate wheel travel difference]

A differential is a mechanism that allows the two driven wheels to rotate at different speeds to assist in cornering.

(written w dog on lap, lots of mechanical errors, sorry, will fix later if yall dont)

Open Differential

An open differential is a gear assembly that allows the two rear wheels to spin independently of each other, while maintaining the average rotational speed. If the outside wheel spins faster than it would without the differential, the inside wheel must spin and equivalent amount slower. Similarly, the torque transferred to the ground, but is split in varying amounts between the two rear wheels depending on their relative velocities. The faster spinning wheel will see a proportionally greater amount of torque from the engine.

This torque differential between the two wheels can become problematic in high torque applications where the torque is desired to go to the wheel with the greatest amount of traction, not the greatest rotational velocity, such as corner exit, or corner entry if using an inboard brake. To solve this problem, a differential that can limit the amount of slip is desired.

Limited Slip Differential

torsen

clutch-type