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R/C BAJA CAR: SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS

 

Colton Hague

Central Washington University

MET 489

Project Report

Introduction

The RC Baja chassis and suspension are intended to be driven on rough terrain. This will be put to the test during the ASME RC Baja race. The suspension must be mounted in the correct location to receive best results. The chassis must be built strong enough to endure the abuse that the rough terrain will cause. The goal is to maximize the performance of the chassis and suspension while being driven on rough terrain. This will be done throughout this project by design, analysis, methods, manufacturing, construction, and testing. Exploring the best way to mount, connect, and pivot the suspension will be determined.

Abstract

An RC Baja car was designed and manufactured to compete in the ASME RC Baja competition. The American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Baja competition is a time trial that has a variety of obstacles like jumps, rocks, and turns. The objective of the project was to improve the performance of the suspension and chassis while offering a variety of different adjustments that can be made to fit a given terrain. To begin the design process, a benchmark car was selected, and research was performed on trophy trucks to incorporate suspension features into the design. Using engineering methods, analyses was done to determine dimensions, fitments, and materials that would improve the performance. To optimize the performance of the suspension over different terrain types, multiple mounting locations for the front and rear suspension were provided. Using 3D software, the individual parts of the car were modeled and then assembled. With the dimensioned part drawings, manufacturing of the car began. To manufacture the parts, a variety of different manufacturing machines were used such as a mill, 3D printer, and laser cutter. The parts had to be manufactured within tolerance to maintain functionality of the design. A series of tests were completed to ensure the requirements were met. To simulate the RC car being jumped, the car was dropped from a height of 1.5 feet. The suspension of the car absorbed the 192-newton force.

First Sketches

Final Results

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