SOURCE 2026 | Program, Proceedings, and Highlights

Wildcat Racers: Steering & Suspension Carly Kahler, Paige Henderson Project Mentor(s): Charles Pringle, PE; Jeunghwan “John” Choi, PhD

The objective of completing the RC Baja Buggy consisted of designing, manufacturing, and testing the vehicles steering and suspension. This was accomplished with teamwork by the engineers involved in the entire process of the RC car over the course of an academic year. During Fall quarter, the design phase, the RC car components were analyzed with statics, mechanics of materials, and technical dynamics. Computer aided design models were then designed on SolidWorks, which were then used in creating the full assembly for manufacturing. Winter quarter consisted of manufacturing the buggy, from the drawings created in SolidWorks. All components for the steering and suspension were either self- manufactured or purchased. Self-manufactured parts involved 3D printing all parts using PETG filament. This material was chosen for its mechanical properties and ease of manufacturing. The Spring quarter involves testing the final manufactured product to confirm the buggy satisfies all requirements previously determined. Testing will prioritize the suspension & steering. The initial test will consist of a two-foot drop onto a flat surface and compression of the springs will be observed and measured. The steering will be tested by driving the car in a full 360°, and the inside diameter of the driven circle will be measured to observe the buggy’s turning radius.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords : Designing, Manufacturing, Testing, Assembly, Compression SOURCE Form ID: 37

C&L Racing RC Baja Drivetrain and Chassis Lorelai Lanning, Christian Lau Project Mentor(s): Charles Pringle, PE; Jeunghwan “John” Choi, PhD

The objective of this project was to design, manufacture, and assess a custom radio-controlled (RC) vehicle, with a focus on developing a durable chassis and an efficient drivetrain system. The engineering problem focused on creating a lightweight yet durable platform capable of withstanding the required loads while maintaining reliable performance. To accomplish this, key requirements considered were material selection, a total weight under 12 lbs, and appropriate gear ratio. The vehicle was an integration of both custom-fabricated and commercially available components. The design process involved computer-aided design (CAD), analytical evaluations, and iterative prototyping. Material behavior and component performance were considered through calculations related to stress, load distribution, and drivetrain efficiency. Aluminum 6061 was selected for the chassis plate due to its properties and manufacturability. A rear wheel direct drive design was chosen because it balanced performance and manufacturability. Most components were modeled in CAD and manufactured using Overture PLA or manually machined. Results show that the design met all performance requirements. The chassis plate maintained a deflection of less than 0.125” under a 10 lb force. The rear wheel direct drive system achieved 30mph. All fasteners experience a tensile capacity of less than 20%. Impact analyses demonstrate negligible damage. Overall, the vehicle was fully functional and competed in the Baja

competition which consisted of drag, slalom, and baja course. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: RC, manufacturing, drivetrain, stress, analysis SOURCE Form ID: 38

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