Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2022

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Craig Johnson

Second Committee Member

Roger Beardsley

Third Committee Member

Charles Pringle

Abstract

Students at Central Washington University were challenged with constructing a RC Baja car capable of competing against other universities from around the state as a comprehensive senior project. These projects were completed in teams of 2 separated into the suspension and chassis, as well as steering and drive train. Completion of this car requires the ability to complete several tests the measure each component of the car working in unison. Testing begins with a straight-line sprint to determine the top speed of the car; this test will be followed by a slalom test to determine steering capabilities. The final test consists of a Baja track that tests suspension steering and speed in one challenge competing against other RC cars. The RC car demonstrated successful test with its ability to achieve a turning angle of 110% of the calculated value when moving forward through the slalom test without interference from components on the RC car. When undertaking the Baja track test the suspension system experienced a compression and expansion distance of .75 inches in both the front and the rear suspension as opposed to the predicted .5 inches. The straight-line sprint resulted in a maximum speed recorded at 20 mph being only 80% of the predicted top speed of the car per calculations completed prior to testing. These results were gathered using timers and calipers used while the car is stationary prior to testing.

Comments

2022 SOURCE presentation: https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CEPS/25/

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