Course on self-locking differentials and their adjustment
Online course of 300 hours in limited-slip differentials and their adjustment. 6 modules covering the role of the differential, types of limited-slip differential, Salisbury adjustment, effect on handling and active differentials, with ISO 6336, ISO 10300, MoTeC i2 Pro and an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain how open and limited-slip differentials work.
Distinguish the types of limited-slip differential and their response.
Set up a Salisbury-type plate differential.
Analyse the effect of locking in each phase of a corner.
Configure maps for active differentials.
Interpret wheel speeds in telemetry.
Choose the right differential according to category and regulations.
Who it's for
- Transmission engineers.
- Vehicle dynamics engineers.
- Differential mechanics.
- Track engineers.
- Control system calibrators.
- Rally technicians.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter circuit racing.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6336 (load capacity of spur and helical gears)
- ISO 10300 (load capacity of bevel gears)
- Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical regulations for competition cars)
- FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (technical rules for Formula 1)
- FIA World Rally Championship Technical Regulations (technical rules for WRC cars)
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
- MoTeC i2 Pro
- MATLAB/Simulink
- KISSsoft
- AiM Race Studio 3
6 modules
1.1Why a differential is needed in corners1.2Open differential and torque split1.3Limitation by the wheel with least grip1.4Solid axle in karting and its behaviour1.5Locking torque and preload percentage1.6Torque Bias Ratio (TBR)1.7Effect on directional stability1.8Differentials in four-wheel drive1.9Regulations on active differentials1.10Practical: calculating the torque split in a corner
2.1Salisbury-type plate differential2.2Power and coast ramps2.3Torsen helical gear differentials2.4Quaife and ATB differentials2.5Viscous couplings and their progressive response2.6Electro-hydraulically controlled differentials2.7Fully locked differentials in rallying and drifting2.8Comparison of response and wear2.9Selection by category2.10Lab: comparing locking curves
3.1Ramp angles on power and coast3.2Preload with Belleville springs3.3Number of plates and active surfaces3.4Plate stacking order3.5Measuring breakaway torque3.6Oils and friction modifiers3.7Effect of temperature on locking3.8Wear and preload drift3.9Bench measuring tools3.10Workshop: setting up a plate-type limited-slip differential
4.1Corner-entry understeer from excessive locking4.2Stability under braking and on coast4.3Rotation at the apex4.4Traction on corner exit4.5Interaction with traction control4.6Effect on the rear tyres4.7Adjustment by circuit type4.8Adjustment for wet conditions4.9Reading wheel speeds4.10Case study: correcting corner-entry understeer
5.1Electronically controlled clutches5.2Locking maps by corner phase5.3Differentials in F1 and adjustment from the steering wheel5.4Torque vectoring in electric vehicles5.5Sensors and control strategy5.6Regulations that allow or ban their use5.7Calibration in the simulator5.8Failures and emergency modes5.9Validation with telemetry5.10Case study: differential map for a circuit
6.1Choice of vehicle and a slow circuit6.2Choice of differential type6.3Calculation of the initial setting6.4On-track test plan6.5Analysis of wheel speeds6.6Adjustments by corner phase6.7Final differential setting sheet6.8Maintenance recommendations6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MoTeC i2 Pro, MATLAB/Simulink, KISSsoft and AiM Race Studio 3, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for setting up limited-slip differentials on the bench, comparing configurations on track and reading wheel speeds. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 6336; ISO 10300; Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code; FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations; FIA World Rally Championship Technical Regulations; ISO 8855.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with MoTeC i2 Pro, MATLAB/Simulink, KISSsoft and AiM Race Studio 3, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme software, an internet connection and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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