Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2021

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Craig Johnson

Second Committee Member

Roger Beardsley

Third Committee Member

Charles Pringle

Abstract

An RC Baja car was designed and manufactured to compete in the ASME RC Baja competition. The American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Baja competition is a time trial that has a variety of obstacles like jumps, rocks, and turns. The objective of the project was to improve the performance of the suspension and chassis while offering a variety of different adjustments that can be made to fit a given terrain. To begin the design process, a benchmark car was selected, and research was performed on trophy trucks to incorporate suspension features into the design. Using engineering methods, analyses was done to determine dimensions, fitments, and materials that would improve the performance. To optimize the performance of the suspension over different terrain types, multiple mounting locations for the front and rear suspension were provided. Using 3D software, the individual parts of the car were modeled and then assembled. With the dimensioned part drawings, manufacturing of the car began. To manufacture the parts, a variety of different manufacturing machines were used such as a mill, 3D printer, and laser cutter. The parts had to be manufactured within tolerance to maintain functionality of the design. A series of tests were completed to ensure the requirements were met. To simulate the RC car being jumped, the car was dropped from a height of 1.5 feet. The suspension of the car absorbed the 192-newton force.

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