中文简体The differential in a straight axle serves a crucial purpose in vehicles, and its primary function is to allow the two wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds while still receiving power from the axle shaft. This function is vital for several reasons:
Smooth Turns: When a vehicle turns, the outer wheel has to cover a longer distance than the inner wheel. If both wheels were mechanically locked together and forced to rotate at the same speed, this would result in significant wheel scrubbing (tire wear) and put strain on the entire drivetrain. The differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns, preventing these issues.
Improved Traction: In situations where one wheel encounters reduced traction or slips (e.g., on slippery or uneven terrain), the differential allows power to be sent to the wheel with better traction of straight axle. This helps the vehicle maintain forward or rearward motion rather than getting stuck.
Reduced Stress: The differential acts as a torque-splitting device, distributing power evenly between the two wheels. This helps distribute stress and wear evenly across the drivetrain components, reducing the risk of mechanical failures.
Steering Stability: During straight-line driving, the differential does not affect the wheel rotation; both wheels receive power equally. This maintains steering stability and ensures that the vehicle tracks straight.
Preventing Wheel Skidding: In the absence of a differential, a locked or solid axle would result in wheel skidding during turns, which can lead to loss of control. The differential prevents this by allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds.
