Impact of All Wheel Drive Systems on Braking Stability

A math model of vehicle handling demonstrates the desirability of a controllable biasing device for all wheel drive (AWD) cars. Several devices can provide the traction benefits of AWD. However, there is a potential for shifting wheel torque during braking and thereby destabilizing the vehicle. A controlled clutch is shown to improve traction while retaining the nominal stability of the vehicle in braking.