drivetrain
Engine-to-wheels system
A drivetrain is the system of components that transmits power from a vehicle's engine to its wheels.
In cars, this includes the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles.
The term applies broadly to any mechanism that converts engine power into motion: The electric vehicle's drivetrain is simpler than a combustion engine's.
Also called powertrain, though some distinguish between them—powertrain including the engine itself, drivetrain excluding it.
Sending of information
- differentialRelative difference between things
- axleShaft for wheel rotation
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
driveshaft · propeller shaft · universal joint · torque converter · transfer case · sprocket · pinion · ring gear
Rotational force measurement
- horsepowerRate of mechanical work
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- power deliveryTransmitting energy to users
- tractionAdhesive friction enabling movement
grip · launch · shifting · gear ratios · response · handling · wheelspin · power loss
Written instructions for use
- automaticOperating without intervention
- CVTStepless automatic powertrain
- DCTLossy compression algorithm basis
- dual-clutchTwin-clutch gearbox design
sequential · semi-automatic · tiptronic · hydrostatic · hybrid · single-speed
Study of movement itself
- dynamicsStudy of forces
- bearingsAwareness of one's position
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- backlashStrong negative reaction
stress analysis · vibration · materials science · heat dissipation · friction · wear · tolerances · CAD
Front-wheel drivetrain abbreviation
- AWDPowers all tires
- 4WDFull-vehicle traction system
- transaxleMerged gearbox and differential
- rear-enginePowerplant positioned at back
longitudinal · transverse · live axle · independent suspension
transmission
Sending of information
- differentialRelative difference between things
- axleShaft for wheel rotation
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
clutch · driveshaft · propeller shaft · universal joint · torque converter · transfer case · sprocket · pinion · ring gear · flywheel
torque
Rotational force measurement
- horsepowerRate of mechanical work
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- power deliveryTransmitting energy to users
traction · grip · launch · shifting · gear ratios · response · handling · wheelspin · power loss · efficiency
manual
Written instructions for use
- automaticOperating without intervention
- CVTStepless automatic powertrain
- DCTLossy compression algorithm basis
dual-clutch · sequential · semi-automatic · tiptronic · hydrostatic · hybrid · single-speed
kinematics
Study of movement itself
- dynamicsStudy of forces
- bearingsAwareness of one's position
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
backlash · stress analysis · vibration · materials science · heat dissipation · friction · wear · tolerances · CAD · simulation
FWD
Front-wheel drivetrain abbreviation
rear-engine · longitudinal · transverse · live axle · independent suspension
- automotivecars, car, trucks, truck, buses
- machineryengine, machinery, industrial machinery, motors, engines
- mechanicsforce, turning, rotation, momentum, velocity
- auto partsengine, brakes, tires, wheels, steering wheel
- car partsengine, steering wheel, brake, seats, tires
- mechanical partsgears, levers, pulleys, bearings, springs
drivetrainbraking system
Equipment for slowing vehicles
brake system · brakes · suspension system · body · chassis
drivetrainengine
Machine producing motion
motor · power plant · powerplant · prime mover · internal combustion engine