This article reports on the development of the electronic/hydraulic controllable multi-disc-clutch-type limited-slip differential (controllable LSD). After comments on the mechanical and hydraulic systems and the control strategy, it is shown that for RWD (rear wheel drive) cars, the controllable LSD enables good traction to be combined with lateral stability, and that it provides an effective limited-slip differential for FWD cars. It is shown that for FWD (front wheel drive) cars, the controllable LSD enables maximum lateral acceleration to be increased for cornering, without steering wheel torque and required steering wheel angle being adversely affected, and that improvements can be achieved in handling characteristics following a sudden change in steering wheel angle.
Samenvatting