Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2024

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

Students at Central Washington University were faced with a challenge to engineer an RC Baja Car with a focus between drivetrain and chassis or suspension and steering for a competition. The different foci were split between two team members and the engineering for this report is focused on steering and suspension.

The suspension and steering components underwent the process of developing calculations for all individual parts for design. The design process included using CAD software to provide a 3D model for each individual part. To save time, 3D modeling software helped find fitment issues before the RC Car was manufactured and assembled. Succeeding the design process was the manufacturing of all the designed parts. The parts were manufactured using 3D printers, CNC machinery, vertical milling machines, band saws, and various hand tools. Once all parts of the were created, the car was assembled by combining all parts of the car to make a final assembly. The RC Baja Car was tested to ensure that it met all predetermined requirements which were created to guarantee it was ready for the competition.

The steering components rotated 10 degrees and the deviation was less than 5cm at 10 mph for 2 meters. Additionally, for the suspension, it was able to maintain a force greater than 20 pounds. These parameters verify that the suspension and steering solidify all requirements.

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