Effect of Differential Modeling on Handling and Stability

Abstract

Research target: There are exists many principle types of limited slip differential. If simplify limited slip differential model to open differential, vehicle handling and stability simulation results will be uncorrected. So the paper’s target is to build several principle differentials, prove that: different differential have different effects to handling and stability, different transfer case and drive style have the same effects additionally. Research method: Build several limited slip differential models and vehicle dynamic models, respectively; then, simulate different drive style vehicle with different differential or transfer case on the Steady State Cornering and steering wheel angle step input maneuver; compared the simulation results to prove the conclusion of the paper. Research production: Through research and analyses, build up several principle limited slip differential and transfer case models rightly, and connected with vehicle model perfectly. Innovation: Through vehicle dynamic simulation, it is easy for us to find effects of limited slip differential to handling and stability. Other papers in the field have not cover limited slip differential, transfer case model and vehicle drive style, comprehensively, this paper has researched all of those models, getting some general conclusion at last. Insufficiency: This paper shows different differential models how to affect handling and stability, but lacking of correlation of the corresponding differential and vehicle test. Conclusion: The compared simulation analysis of vehicle with different forms of differential and drive type shows that: limited slip differential in the low friction coefficient road affects more obviously, and have more effects to front-drive vehicle, different differential models will have a significant impact to handling and stability. Remark: The work was completed with the assistance of National 863 plan (serial number is 2012AA111801).