While being absorbed watching videos on a popular social media site, a video appeared talking about the need for a differential on your car. It was very short and didn’t provide a satisfactory explanation of how the design evolved. I searched the internet and discovered a very unique discussion of the principles involved. Surprisingly, it was a documentary film from 1937, and for the first 2+ minutes had an amazing demonstration of precision motorcycle riding. The film then began with a little history of the problem, not having a differential caused. I learned something I never knew; early automobiles only delivered power to one rear wheel. Very interesting, but as we know, that was to change.
What I liked about this video is that it showed the necessary progression so that both rear wheels could move independently under power. This was the most important aspect of the design since, without a differential, there would be slip of one of the wheels as the vehicle rounded a turn. The video also explained one other advantage of a differential, besides splitting the power evenly to each wheel, in that it provided a reduction in speed from the engine, thereby the torque was increased.
Maybe it is because I’m old-school, but this 1937 film connected me to the principles of a differential more clearly that a modern video with high-end graphics. And the introductory motorcycle riding demonstration was amazing. – Dr. Tom
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