CAE Vehicle Dynamics & Powertrain 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a limited-slip differential (LSD) in a performance vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Transfer torque to the wheel with more traction when slip is detected

Answer

An LSD senses speed difference between driven wheels and biases torque toward the wheel with greater traction, reducing wheelspin.

Question 2

In a MacPherson strut suspension, which component provides the upper pivot point for the strut assembly?

Accepted Answer

Strut bearing/mount at the top of the shock tower

Answer

The strut bearing mounted on the shock tower serves as the upper pivot, allowing the strut to rotate with steering inputs.

Question 3

Which powertrain configuration places both the engine and drive axle at the same end of the vehicle, sharing a common housing?

Accepted Answer

Transaxle layout

Answer

A transaxle combines the transmission and differential into one unit, typically used in front-wheel-drive and mid-engine rear-wheel-drive layouts.

Question 4

When a vehicle exhibits 'terminal oversteer,' what is happening to its handling behavior?

Accepted Answer

The rear tires lose grip and the vehicle rotates excessively toward the turn

Answer

Terminal oversteer means the rear axle loses lateral grip, causing the vehicle to spin — a self-reinforcing, hard-to-correct condition.

Question 5

What does the term 'wheel rate' refer to in suspension engineering?

Accepted Answer

The effective spring rate measured at the wheel contact patch

Answer

Wheel rate accounts for the installation ratio (motion ratio) of the spring, giving the actual spring force per unit of wheel displacement.

(CAE) Certified Automotive Engineer Practice Test