Which wheel loses traction first?

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    Traction Wheel
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of traction loss in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle during cornering, specifically focusing on which wheel loses traction first and the factors influencing weight distribution. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects related to vehicle dynamics, including the role of differentials and aerodynamic modifications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that during oversteer, the rear inner wheel may lose traction first due to mass transfer when cornering at high speeds.
  • Another participant notes that the loss of traction can depend on whether the vehicle has an open or limited slip differential, specifically mentioning a Torsen LSD in the context of their vehicle.
  • A participant is investigating the use of a "2 wing dynamic spoiler" to adjust downforce on the rear inner wheel to prevent slipping, seeking to understand the weight distribution on that wheel.
  • It is proposed that gyroscopic effect equations should be considered to determine the distribution of forces acting on the vehicle during a turn.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors affecting traction loss, particularly regarding the influence of differentials and the specific dynamics of weight distribution. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the mechanics involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for equations to analyze weight distribution but do not provide specific mathematical formulations. The discussion also highlights the complexity of vehicle dynamics, which may depend on various assumptions and definitions not fully explored in the thread.

aortucre
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When you drive a real wheel drive too fast around a corner, the two inner wheels lose some down-force due to mass transfer. If you oversteer, does the rear inner wheel lose traction first? And then trigger the oversteer?

If so, are there any equations to determine how the weight is distributed knowing the total mass of the car, the distance between wheels, the height of the CG, etc...?

Thank you in advance for any help!
 
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hello and welcome..loss of traction depends on if it is an open or limited slip differential. I recommend you look at a post in Automotive Engineering section called Race Car Suspension Class..
 
Hello and thanks for your fast answer.

The car we are using has a limited slip differential. More specifically a Torsen LSD.

I will read that post and come back as soon as I can.

What we are trying to do is a "2 wing dynaimc spoiler" that will raise its left or right half to provide the needed downforce to the rear inner wheel so that it won't slip. What we are trying to figure out is how much of the total weight is being put on that wheel, and how much does it need so that it doesn't slip. The difference will be provided by the spoiler.

Thanks again
 
Any tips or ideas? Thanks guys!
 
In general to determine distribution of forces when a car takes a turn, you must consider gyroscopic effect equations. That shows how a moment is created to lift the inner wheels while taking a turn.
 

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