Beau C. Landis
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Suspension Design 

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After running into several issues with the 2016 Baja vehicle, our team wanted to make some drastic changes in order to improve the handling of the car.

Changes Made:
  • Handlebar to steering wheel (with rack and pinion)
  • Inboard to outboard suspensions system
Goals:
  • Improve low speed maneuverability
    • Achieve  50% Ackermann
    • Minimal scrub radius
    • Minimal change between bump and droop steer
Process:
  • Utilized sensors in Solidworks model
  • Tracked all relevant dimensions via text file linked to sensors
    • Allowed for overall geometry to be quickly changed and analyzed
  • Modeled components and perform FEA to determine lifespan
  • Chose final design and created jigs for welding of suspension
Outcome:
  • A vehicle that outperforms the year prior's car
    • Increased low speed maneuverability by reducing turning radius by over 30%
    • Less reported driver fatigue by reduced steering effort
Problems Overcome:
  • Original A-arms interfered with shocks, mounting points spread and A-arms redesigned to fit
  • Wheels could over-center under heavy turning making it impossible to return to neutral. Changed from rear mounted steering arm and rack to front mounted to eliminate issue
  • saw buckling in A-arm shock mount, reduced overall length by modifying suspension geometry
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  • Home
  • About
  • Portfolio
    • Work Experience
    • Baja >
      • Suspension Design
      • Steering Design
      • Miscellaneous and Machining
    • Capstone
    • Co-op
    • Hobbies
    • Art
    • T Shirts
    • Jaguar
  • Contact