Composite Snowmobile Suspension System
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Start Date
21-5-2015
End Date
21-5-2015
Keywords
Composites, Lightweight, Suspension
Abstract
Snowmobile technology is constantly evolving and incorporating new ideas into products for the consumer to enjoy. After-market manufactures are competing among themselves for the top position in suspension technology, yet none have broken the boundaries and really pushed to the next level until now. The objective of this design was to provide the consumer with a lightweight and simple suspension system that would meet the performance demands of the consumer market. In order to meet the strength-to-weight ratio requirements of this design, composites were implemented to provide the necessary structural strength for the overall system. A one piece carbon fiber subframe is the first of its kind and provides a foundation for all other components to fasten too. By replacing structural materials that were initially made from a high strength steel with a light weight carbon fiber, the weight savings are substantial and can be observed throughout the system. In order to determine the success of this design, a series of tests both on and off the vehicle were performed to accurately describe the behavior of the material under load. Three-point bending, load analysis, and weight comparison are examples of the test processes that will provide conclusive data on the overall performance of this design.
Recommended Citation
Villarma, Michael, "Composite Snowmobile Suspension System" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 28.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/constructedobjects/28
Poster Number
13
Department/Program
Engineering Technologies, Safety, & Construction
Additional Mentoring Department
Engineering Technologies, Safety, & Construction
Composite Snowmobile Suspension System
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Snowmobile technology is constantly evolving and incorporating new ideas into products for the consumer to enjoy. After-market manufactures are competing among themselves for the top position in suspension technology, yet none have broken the boundaries and really pushed to the next level until now. The objective of this design was to provide the consumer with a lightweight and simple suspension system that would meet the performance demands of the consumer market. In order to meet the strength-to-weight ratio requirements of this design, composites were implemented to provide the necessary structural strength for the overall system. A one piece carbon fiber subframe is the first of its kind and provides a foundation for all other components to fasten too. By replacing structural materials that were initially made from a high strength steel with a light weight carbon fiber, the weight savings are substantial and can be observed throughout the system. In order to determine the success of this design, a series of tests both on and off the vehicle were performed to accurately describe the behavior of the material under load. Three-point bending, load analysis, and weight comparison are examples of the test processes that will provide conclusive data on the overall performance of this design.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Charles Pringle