Drift Titan RC Suspension and Steering Ryen Sternkopf, Luke Sturgis Project Mentor(s): Charles Pringle, PE; Jeunghwan “John” Choi, PhD
The purpose of this engineering project was to design, construct, and test a ⅛ scale remote controlled Baja car capable of operating effectively on multiple types of terrain, while satisfying ASME competition requirements and being ROAR compliant. The main focus was on designing the suspension and steering system that could handle impacts, maintain stability, and provide consistent control during operation. Key considerations included suspension travel, component strength, and steering responsiveness. The design process combined analysis calculations, CAD, and 3D printing to speed up the process. Multiple engineering analyses were performed to evaluate system performance, including steering geometry, suspension behavior, spring selection, and structural loading on critical components. Parts were produced using a mix of CNC machining, manual machining, and 3D printing to balance precision, cost, strength, and manufacturability. Physical testing was conducted to validate performance, including drop tests to observe suspension compression and Instron testing to measure deflection of 3D printed components, with results compared to predicted values. The tests conducted towards the end of the project, showed that the suspension performed close to expectations, achieving about two inches of compression from the drop test. Overall, the system functioned as intended, and the analyses support the structural reliability of the design. The final version of the RC Baja met the primary design goals and is suitable for further testing and competition use.
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: RC Baja, suspension, steering, design process, analysis SOURCE Form ID: 34
Drift Titan RC Drivetrain and Chassis Luke Sturgis, Ryen Sternkopf Project Mentor(s): Charles Pringle, PE; Jeunghwan “John” Choi, PhD
The objective of this project was to design, manufacture, and evaluate a chassis and drivetrain system for a radio-controlled Baja vehicle to compete in the ASME RC Baja competition. The engineering problem focused on meeting performance requirements including a total weight under 15 lb, a minimum top speed of 30 mph, and strict limits on chassis deflection and hardware stress under loading and impact conditions. The engineering approach involved analytical evaluation, computer-aided design, and iterative manufacturing processes. Multiple analyses were performed, including chassis deflection, hardware shear and tensile stress, motor torque requirements, and drivetrain performance calculations. A 6061 aluminum plate chassis was selected for strength and manufacturability, while a simplified gear and belt-driven drivetrain was developed to balance torque and speed. Components were modeled in CAD and manufactured using 3D printing and manual machining, with Overture PLA used as the primary material. Results demonstrated that the design met all key performance criteria set by the students. The chassis exhibited a deflection of under 5% of the 0.125” limit under a 10 lb force. The belt-drive system was able to achieve the desired 30 mph speed. Hardware stresses remained below 25% of tensile capacity, and impact analysis predicted negligible deformation. The system was fully functional and able to compete in the Baja competition.
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: RC, drivetrain, engineering analysis, CAD, manufacturing SOURCE Form ID: 35
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