R/C Baja: Suspension & Chassis

Document Type

Poster

Event Website

https://source2022.sched.com/

Start Date

16-5-2022

End Date

16-5-2022

Keywords

RC Truck, Suspension, Design, Manufacturing

Abstract

Students designed and manufactured an RC Baja truck to compete as a team in the annual ASME RC Baja Competition in various events and obstacles. A chassis and suspension system were required to house and secure each of the RC components to successfully compete and function as intended. The team designed a 1/10th scale model RC truck through various analysis calculations and model mockup drawings to optimally perform and compete in a competition amongst other teams of designers. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) competition will include the straight-line dash, slalom, and Baja course time trial. This project will dive into the specifics of the design process that went into the Chassis and Suspension portion of the overall manufacturing of the RC Baja truck. The design that was used is a unique half-plate design that incorporates long travel rear trailing arms that allow for a large range of motion to optimize traction at the driving wheels over rough terrain and jumps. 3D printing was used to create the trailing arms, front bumper, and front suspension components whereas the chassis plate, shock towers, and control arms were waterjet cut from aluminum. Tests included a force test which yielded a deflection in the control arm of 0.5 inches, an endurance test of 20-minute intervals of constant driving, a drop test that produced displacement in the shocks 0.25 inches greater than previously predicted, and finally a speed test that approximated the RC truck’s terminal velocity of 20mph over a 30 yard distance.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Chris Berkshire, Jeunghwan Choi

Department/Program

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Additional Mentoring Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Additional Mentoring Department

Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction

Foster, Caden RC Baja SOURCE.mp4 (60044 kB)
Video Presentation

Additional Files

Foster, Caden RC Baja SOURCE.mp4 (60044 kB)
Video Presentation

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May 16th, 12:00 AM May 16th, 12:00 AM

R/C Baja: Suspension & Chassis

Students designed and manufactured an RC Baja truck to compete as a team in the annual ASME RC Baja Competition in various events and obstacles. A chassis and suspension system were required to house and secure each of the RC components to successfully compete and function as intended. The team designed a 1/10th scale model RC truck through various analysis calculations and model mockup drawings to optimally perform and compete in a competition amongst other teams of designers. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) competition will include the straight-line dash, slalom, and Baja course time trial. This project will dive into the specifics of the design process that went into the Chassis and Suspension portion of the overall manufacturing of the RC Baja truck. The design that was used is a unique half-plate design that incorporates long travel rear trailing arms that allow for a large range of motion to optimize traction at the driving wheels over rough terrain and jumps. 3D printing was used to create the trailing arms, front bumper, and front suspension components whereas the chassis plate, shock towers, and control arms were waterjet cut from aluminum. Tests included a force test which yielded a deflection in the control arm of 0.5 inches, an endurance test of 20-minute intervals of constant driving, a drop test that produced displacement in the shocks 0.25 inches greater than previously predicted, and finally a speed test that approximated the RC truck’s terminal velocity of 20mph over a 30 yard distance.

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CEPS/22