RC Baja

By: Sean Gordon

Fig 1: The initial design for our RC Baja car specifically dedicated to the chassis and suspension design components

Intro

This website will take you through the process of completing this engineering problem. More specifically covering the chassis and suspension including design, analysis, construction, and the manufacturing process for these parts then finally the performance of the final product.

The RC Baja challenge is a senior project that pins students against each other, groups are tasked with construction of the RC cars with several tasks in mind. These cars must be able to navigate a slalom course with the goal of the fastest time. Timed in a test of acceleration, and pinned against each other in a motocross like course according to ASME guidelines.

Presentations

Fall Quarter

Winter Quarter

Final Presentation

Part 1

Part 2

Results

The drop test results showed the vertical compression exceeded the requirement for the suspension system that vertical compression should be .5 inches. this is seen with results of trial 1 and 2 experiencing compression of .625 inches and trail 3 having a compression of .875 inches.

The chassis deflection test results showed that the requirement that the chassis would not deflect more than 1/8 of an inch during the drop test was met. this test determined that for any noticeable deflection to be recorded almost 36 lbs. had to be added to the chassis.

The chassis ride height test results determined that the chassis meets the requirement that the chassis ride height is 2 inches. It shows a maintained ride height of 2 inches before and after testing except for trail 3 that falls within tolerances.