Project Title

RC Baja Car Suspension

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2018

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Dr. Craig Johnson

Second Committee Member

Professor Roger Beardsley

Third Committee Member

Professor Charles Pringle

Abstract

This year the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department at CWU is holding an R/C Baja car competition using the same rules as the ASME competition. The designed car must compete in three separate events: the slalom course, drag race, and obstacle course. By not only completing, but also being competitive in each of the events, the car will be deemed a success. Suspension and steering are two essential components of any R/C car, and was the main focus for this report. The suspension must be able to support the car in the event of impacts. In addition, the steering must be able to articulate without any interference from the drive train and the suspension systems. A leaf spring system was used for this suspension rather than the traditional shock absorbers. This leaf spring kept the suspension thinner and allowed more room for the drive train and steering. As per the requirements set in place by the vehicle’s engineers, the suspension was designed to withstand a two-foot drop without deflecting more than 1.5 inches. Utilizing different materials including steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic, the suspension has been designed perfectly so that there is no interference with the steering and drive train. It completed the two-foot drop test without exceeding the maximum deflection of 1.5 inches, and contested well in the R/C Baja competition against the other teams.

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