RAD Car: Restructuring of the Chassis
Location
CSU
Student's Major
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Bruce Jones
Mentor's Department
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
This project covers the redesign and construction of the RAD (Recycled Automotive Design) Car that was originally produced in 1991 by nine Minnesota State University Mankato Automotive Engineering Technology students. In 2002, three new students took on the role of producing an updated version of that vehicle's chassis. This project discusses methods of redesigning and constructing a new chassis. The problems of the old design include the length of the wheelbase and the inability of the suspension to handle typical driving patterns. These problems are solved by researching different components and designs, and benchmarking different companies that are currently producing vehicles similar to the RAD Car. Increasing the wheelbase was accomplished by lengthening chassis members and elongating the wheel wells to accommodate the new length. The suspension was redesigned and stabilized by designing and introducing a strong frame rail structure and new front and rear suspension designs. The team evaluated all of the options and researched their performance and feasibility in a manufacturing setting.
RAD Car: Restructuring of the Chassis
CSU
This project covers the redesign and construction of the RAD (Recycled Automotive Design) Car that was originally produced in 1991 by nine Minnesota State University Mankato Automotive Engineering Technology students. In 2002, three new students took on the role of producing an updated version of that vehicle's chassis. This project discusses methods of redesigning and constructing a new chassis. The problems of the old design include the length of the wheelbase and the inability of the suspension to handle typical driving patterns. These problems are solved by researching different components and designs, and benchmarking different companies that are currently producing vehicles similar to the RAD Car. Increasing the wheelbase was accomplished by lengthening chassis members and elongating the wheel wells to accommodate the new length. The suspension was redesigned and stabilized by designing and introducing a strong frame rail structure and new front and rear suspension designs. The team evaluated all of the options and researched their performance and feasibility in a manufacturing setting.
