Analysis
This section will review the analysis done for this project and summarize their results. Each analysis is done for a specific component to ensure that it performs to the requirements set for the project. Each analysis will differ in steps and requirements for the component in question. This is required to calculate dimensions and use the most appropriate material to satisfy the needs of the component.
Control Arm Analysis
This analysis is used to determine the thickness required to keep max deflection below 0.25 with a safety factor of 2. The length of the arm was predetermined to be 5" and a square cross-sectional area. From this analysis, it was determined that the minimum thickness of the control arm is 0.305". For easy manufacturing, the dimensions were decided to be 0.5"x0.5"x5".
Analysis Steering Angle
This analysis is used to determine the minimum steering angle of the front wheels to ensure that the vehicle and turn in the radius required. It must make a 180° turn within a 3.5' radius at a speed of 3MP. The minimum angle calculated for this was 18.4°.
Analysis Spring Constant
This analysis is used to determine the spring constant, k, needed for the shock absorbers to absorb the force from a 4' drop. Using the force of gravity being equal to 1/2k(compressed length). Then by using the k value calculated, the force from the spring is calculated as well. From these calculations, the spring constant value is determined to be 427 lb/in and the force from the spring is 640lb.
Shock Tower Thickness Analysis
This analysis is used to determine the minimum thickness needed for the shock tower to avoid shearing from the force of the shock absorbers. It uses the vertical velocity equation, the force of an object dropped from a height, the equilibrium of a moments, and the shear equation. From the calculations, it was determined that the minimum thickness needed to be approximately 0.72in, given a width of 2in and a material of Al6061