Title: Dynamic traction limitations of a passenger car with 4-wheel drive

Authors: Peter Lugner, Manfred Plochl

Addresses: Institute of Mechanics, University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrabe, 8-10, A-1040 Wien, Austria. Institute of Mechanics, University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrabe, 8-10, A-1040 Wien, Austria

Abstract: By theoretical considerations including the proper modelling of the vehicle and the tyre-road force transfer, the limits of safe driving, during cornering, on gradients and p-split conditions can be determined. The distribution of the traction forces to the four wheels comprises all cases from single axle drive to 4-wheel drive with and without locked differentials. The results compare the different drive train configurations with respect to their performance and define consequences for the vehicle behaviour and traction capability.

Keywords: 4-wheel drive; drive train configurations; traction capability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2001.001917

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2001 Vol.25 No.3, pp.189-197

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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