Viscous coupling

[Gerry Lehmann <lehmann@domain.elided>]

The word Eric is looking for in regard to these materials is Isotropic.  They change
viscosity with SHEAR FORCE as he correctly points out.    This is not a temperature
dependent thing as some have described.  As long as both wheels are spinning at the
same or similar RPMs there is no shear force between them and thus no link . When
slippage causes the relative rear wheel speeds  to vary,  causing shear between
sides in the fluid, the viscosity rises and torque transfers.  Viscous LSDs have
several unique advantages but like clutch type LSDs, there still must be a bit of
wheel spin before they perform.  Torsen (gear type)  LSDs have the real advantage in
that respect  because they transfer torque evenly to both sides before slippage
occurs.

Gerry Lehmann
'86 GTV6 3.0 - awaiting clutch type LSD install
'94 MR2-T  - Viscous LSD
'02 Audi S6 - Torsen LSD
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