Quasi-steady-state linearisation of the racing vehicle acceleration envelope: a limited slip differential example

Abstract

In the motorsport environment, passive limited slip differentials are a well-established means of improving the traction limitation imposed by the open differential. Torque sensing types are highly adjustable, and can alter both the stability and agility of the vehicle in the various cornering phases of a typical manoeuvre. In this paper, an adjustable clutch plate or ‘Salisbury’ differential model is presented, which can significantly alter its torque bias characteristics through adjustments in the drive/coast ramp angle, the number of friction faces and preload. To allow robust evaluation of differential parameter changes on ultimate vehicle performance and handling balance, a unified acceleration or ‘GG’ diagram framework is then described. This builds on traditional GG diagram approaches, by using nonlinear constrained optimisation to define both the vehicle acceleration limits and a ‘feasibility’ region within the performance envelope. By linearising a seven degrees of freedom vehicle model at multiple operating points, eigenvalue and yaw rate response analysis is then used to establish contours of stability and agility throughout the GG envelope. This brings new insights into the way in which handling balance changes below and up to the vehicle's acceleration limits.