Limited slip differential performance simulation procedure

1. A method of simulating a split μ axle test for limited slip differentials for automotive applications, the method comprising the steps of:

treating a clutch pack for a limited slip differential in a lubricant composition for a first period of time at a predetermined temperature;

mounting the clutch pack in a friction testing rig;

providing a predetermined amount of test fluid to the testing rig; and

cycling on and off a drive for the testing rig for a predetermined number of on and off cycles, wherein when the drive is on, a predetermined relative rotational speed between friction plates and metal plates in the clutch pack is generated.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the clutch pack is treated for a first period of time ranging from about 0 to about 60 minutes.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the clutch pack is compressed in the testing rig at a second pressure in a range of that observed on limited slip clutch packs in axles that are not rotating.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined relative rotational speed ranges from about 100 to about 2000 rpm.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the on cycles range from about 1 to about 20 seconds.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of mapping the friction characteristics of the clutch pack as a function of pressure and temperature by rotating the drive of the testing rig with the clutch pack disposed in a sump substantially devoid of fluid at pressures ranging from 100 to 800 kilopascals and at a temperature ranging from 5 to about 50° C.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising compressing the clutch pack subsequent to the treating step for a second period of time at a first pressure.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second period of time is at least about five minutes.

9. The performance procedure of claim 8 , wherein the second period of time ranges from about 1 to about three hours.

10. A method of mapping friction characteristics for limited slip differentials for automotive applications, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting a clutch pack containing residual fluid thereon in a low speed friction testing rig, the testing rig being substantially devoid of test fluid;

generating friction characteristics in the clutch pack as a function of temperature and pressure by rotating the clutch pack under conditions sufficient to provide relative rotational speed between friction plates and metal plates of the clutch pack; and

recording torque characteristics of the clutch pack.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the clutch pack is a clutch pack removed from an axle of a vehicle after a split μ vehicle test.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the clutch pack is a clutch pack provided subsequent to a simulated split μ test.

13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the clutch pack is mounted in the testing rig at a pressure ranging from about 100 to about 800 kilograms force.

14. The method of claim 10 , wherein the clutch pack is mounted in the testing rig at a temperature ranging from about 50° to about 100° C.

15. A bench test procedure for evaluating materials for limited slip differentials for automotive applications, the bench test procedure comprising the steps of:

treating a clutch pack for a limited slip differential in a lubricant composition for a first period of time at a predetermined temperature;

mounting the clutch pack in a low speed friction testing rig containing a slow speed drive;

providing a predetermined amount of test fluid to the testing rig;

cycling on and off a drive for the testing rig for a predetermined number of on and off cycles, wherein when the drive is on, a predetermined relative rotational speed between friction plates and metal plates in the clutch pack is generated;

subsequently draining the test fluid from the friction testing rig so that the testing rig is substantially devoid of fluid;

generating friction characteristics in the clutch pack as a function of temperature and pressure by rotating the clutch pack under conditions sufficient to provide relative rotational speed between friction plates and metal plates of the clutch pack; and

recording torque and coefficient of friction of the clutch pack.

16. The bench test procedure of claim 15 , further comprising compressing the clutch pack subsequent to the treating step for a second period of time at a first pressure.

17. The bench test procedure of claim 16 , wherein the second period of time ranges from about 1 to about three hours.

18. The bench test procedure of claim 15 , wherein the first period of time ranges from about 0 to about 60 minutes.

19. The bench test procedure of claim 15 , wherein the predetermined relative rotational speed ranges from about 100 to about 2000 rpm.

20. The bench test procedure of claim 15 , wherein the on cycles range from about 15 to about 20 seconds.

21. The bench test procedure of claim 15 , wherein the friction characteristics in the clutch pack are generated while the clutch pack is mounted in the testing rig at a temperature ranging from about 5° to about 100° C.

22. The bench test procedure of claim 15 , wherein the clutch pack is compressed in the testing rig at a second pressure in a range of that observed on limited slip clutch packs in axles that are not rotating.

23. The bench test procedure of claim 22 , wherein the second pressure ranges from about 100 to about 800 kilograms force.