Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2023

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Charles Pringle, PE

Second Committee Member

Dr. John Choi

Third Committee Member

Mr. Chris Berkshire

Abstract

The ASME RC Baja competition is an event held every year where mechanical engineering technology students get a chance to use their accumulated knowledge of engineering and the engineering process to design and build an RC car to compete against one another at the event. The students of Central Washington University participating in the event were paired up into teams of two to work on a car. This report will discuss the drivetrain and chassis of the car, the suspension and steering were the responsibility of the project engineer Tanner Howington.

The project included the design and analysis of the various components of the chassis and drivetrain, utilizing various methods of statics, dynamics, and mechanical design such as beam deflection, impact forces, analyzing stresses, etc. The project team decided to make the car out of various materials including carbon fiber, aluminum and 3D printed parts. The testing of the vehicle included various speed and acceleration tests as well as impact, climbing and testing of the electronic drivetrain components, “i.e. battery.”

During the testing phase of the project, it was determined that the car was able to meet the top speed, acceleration and constant speed requirements. The car was able to achieve an average speed of 25 mph, and was able to accelerate to top speed in under 15 seconds. The car was also able to climb inclines at least 30 degrees above parallel and the performance of the battery far exceeded the requirements set by the drivetrain and chassis engineer.

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