Dynamics Model of Differentials in Steady-State Cornering of a High-Performance Vehicle and Analysis of Effect on Handling Characteristics

In cornering rear-wheel-drive vehicles, which exhibit high performance, the distribution of driving forces to the left and right tires by the differential significantly affects vehicle behavior. However, dynamics models of differentials are often neglected in vehicle dynamics research and development, and their effects on performance and stability during cornering are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, a differential model suitable for quasi-static simulations that can comprehensively analyze nonlinear vehicle dynamics was developed, and the effects on the performance and stability during cornering were discussed based on the analysis results. The modeling targets were three typical differentials: open, limited-slip, and locked differentials.