Presenter: Chandler Flinderes, College of Engineering & Technology, Mechanical Engineering
Authors: Chandler Flinders
Faculty Advisor: Matt Jensen, College of Engineering and Technology, Mechanical Engineering
Institution: Utah Valley University
This research project studies the viability of an all-wheel drive powertrain with a single center differential by implementing rear wheel steering. Less differentials used in an all-wheel drive vehicle would decrease complexity, cost, weight, and inefficiencies. The concept is being tested by building a rolling chassis with all-wheel drive, all wheel steering and a single center differential. The chassis will be used to find and test potential problems with the design such as drivetrain bind and wheel hop. The single center differential drivetrain could change the way we build all-wheel drive off road vehicles.