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Old 05-14-2003, 08:50 PM
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Richard Hudgins Richard Hudgins is offline
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Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fallbrook, CA USA, CA
Cobra Make, Engine: Porsche 928 S4
Posts: 739
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Wilf,

I agree, on topic is oxymoron. However, I just saw you question below.

Quote:
Originally posted by wilf leek



I notice that no-one has chimed in on my point about LSD exacerbating the worst characteristics of a short wheelbase car??

Maybe I am not in the real world, expecting a thread to stay on-topic. LOL.
Interesting point.

LSD (Automotive related) is a "Limited" slip device. There is still differential action. Anywhere from 20>70% depending on the diff unit. Whereas an "open" diff gives you zero (Except for the parasitic drag of the spyder gears).

These are intended to minimize the problem that you speak of. (A locker will give you the characteristics that you allude to.)

I am not a diff engineer, but I can tell you that the boys have spend a bunch of time with this and the current LSD's are really pretty good.

Now the F1 and FIA rally boys are really good at this. They run Diffs that are computer controlled. These units go from completely open to 100% lock. And any variation between depending on turn radii, wheel loading, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, etc.

Off course none of the above has really answered your question.

Sorry, but It is really much more complex then one would think. The dynamics are quite difficult as acceleration loads on a per tyre basis are almost impossible to model due to amount of variables that are involved.

I am sure that there are a bunch of SAE papers on this subject. With any luck, someone on this forum is a current member and can search them out and post for everyones edification.


I certainly would like to see this info.
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Richard Hudgins
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