Differential
Contents
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)
