Simulation and Control of Active Differential for Improving Vehicle Handling and Lateral Performance 2007-24-0140

The purpose of this work is to investigate, using a virtual analysis and simulation, how to use an active differential system (e-diff) to improve vehicle handling and lateral performance.

The idea is to develop a vehicle model using simulation techniques that reproduces in the laboratory a real vehicle. Then on this model an active differential with a specific control-law was integrated in the rear axle, .

The real vehicle used during tests on track was a sport vehicle equipped with a 5000cc engine developing 507 HP.

Using W_Hands^®, post-processing software developed by CRF (Centro Ricerche Fiat Spa), the maneuvers, executed with “active virtual model” (with e-diff controller), have been elaborated and the results (called “objective parameters”) have been analyzed.