Dynamic study of vehicles equipped with limited-slip differential: Comparison between open and Torsen differential

Details

Supervisors

Fisette, Paul ; Docquier, Nicolas

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil mécanicien, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enThis thesis presents a comparative dynamic analysis of a vehicle equipped with an open differential or a vehicle equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential. This work was carried out in collaboration with JTELK Torsen. The objective was to evaluate how different types of differential influence vehicle behaviour, focusing particularly on traction, handling, cornering performance and driver control in standard and extreme driving situations. To this end, a multi-body vehicle model was developed using Robotran software. Various driving scenarios were simulated, including straight line acceleration, cornering at various torque levels and asymmetric grip conditions on wet asphalt and ice. The study revealed that, at low engine torque, the Torsen differential with a low Torque Bias Ratio offered superior traction and required minimal supplementary steering correction compared to the open differential. At higher torques, the locking effect of the Torsen differential offered significant advantages in tyre preservation and vehicle stability. Nevertheless, depending on the level of engine torque, a high TBR could make the vehicle harder to control. This reveals the importance of selecting an appropriate TBR range to optimise the vehicle’s performance and the driver control. The results emphasise the benefits of the Torsen in both high-performance and everyday driving situations, contributing to improved safety on low-grip surfaces.