mittendifferential

Mittendifferential is the German term for the center differential in all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems. It is the gear device that sits between the front and rear axles and is responsible for distributing torque while allowing some difference in axle speeds. The center differential enables the vehicle to operate smoothly on paved roads by accommodating the different travel distances of the front and rear wheels, especially during cornering, without forcing both axles to rotate at the exact same speed.

In operation, the Mittendifferential transfers torque between the front and rear drivetrains and dampens the mismatch in rotational speeds that occurs when turning or on uneven surfaces. Under normal conditions it distributes power to both axles in a balanced manner, but the design can vary how much torque each axle receives and how readily it can slip or lock. If one axle loses traction, many center differentials allow more torque to the other axle to maintain forward motion; some designs actively regulate this distribution with electronic control.

Common designs include open center differentials, limited-slip or viscous-center couplings, Torsen or other torque-sensing center differentials, and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch systems. Some vehicles offer a selectable or automatic lock of the center differential, which can improve off-road traction but may cause driveline binding or handling changes on high-traction surfaces.

Overall, the Mittendifferential plays a key role in the behavior of all-wheel-drive systems, balancing on-road stability with off-road capability by managing how much torque is sent to the front and rear axles.