1. LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIALS
Thomas Snowdon

2. Differential is located between the drive wheels
Differential allows the drive shaft to turn the drive wheels

3. Differential allows car to turn
Inside wheels travel less distance
Inside wheels rotate slower than outside wheels

4. Open/standard differentials can create the problem of driving only the wheel that has less traction
This problem occurs on low traction surfaces such as ice or gravel
It can also occur when large amounts of power/torque are used such as when accelerating
Limited-slip differentials solve this problem

5. Clutch type limited-slip differential
Clutch pack is between the cage and the side gears
When one wheel spins faster the side gears activate the clutch pack

6. Another type is know as the viscous limited-slip differential
Viscous differentials use a special liquid which replaces the clutch pack
Disadvantages of limited-slip differentials are: higher cost, clutch plates must be replaced, lower fuel economy, and special lubrication is needed

7. Summary
Limited-slip differentials solve the problem of driving one wheel only in low traction conditions
Clutch limited-slip differentials activate a clutch pack to turn both wheels
The clutch pack locks the side gears to the differential cage when activated
Limited-slip differentials are not used all the time because they are expensive

8. Works Cited www.mathworks.com http://members.rennlist.org
com