Brakes

Lead — Andre Benitez, Sophomore Mechanical Engineering Student

Powerful vehicles need to come to a stop faster than they come up to speed. The Brakes subsystem is responsible for the hydraulic brake system, and the design of the vehicle’s throttle system, pedal box, and all the brackets for mounting brake components. Brakes are not just a safety feature, drivers can utilize the brake system to perform sharp turns and slide around corners.

 

Chassis

Lead — Dillion O’Connell, Junior Mechanical Engineering Student

The skeleton of the car. The Chassis Subsystem must create the framework for a complete vehicle, making considerations for all subsystems and keeping the driver safe. Once designed, the chassis is cut, notched, bent, and welded in house.

 

DAQ (Data Acquisition)

Lead — Chris House, Freshman Computer Engineering Student

The brain of the car. DAQ acquires data from different components of the vehicle to convert analog waveforms into digital information. This subsystem designs and utilizes sensors to collect the data to be processed on a raspberry pi. The data is used for testing and taken into consideration for future designs of the Baja vehicle.

 

Drivetrain

Lead — Austin Cornell, Sophomore Aerospace Engineering Student

The heart of the vehicle. All teams use the same engine as per SAE regulation. Drivetrain creates a custom gearbox, tunes the CVT, designs axles, driveshafts, and a four-wheel-drive system to make the most out of the limited power of the engine. Vehicles can tow, climb, and accelerate rapidly based upon drivetrain goals.

 

Ergonomics

Lead — Madison Heeney, Sophomore Mechanical Engineering Student

A great car is nothing without a great driver. Ergonomics also designs the body panels and vehicle livery, and ensures the vehicle meets all safety regulations to keep all of us racing for years to come.

 

Steering

Lead — Rio Matsumoto, Sophomore Mechanical Engineering Student

Driving through obstacles and unexpected terrain requires a responsive driver that can maneuver any corner and hold an apex through mud, sand, dust, or snow. The steering system creates a custom rack and steering wheel with a maneuverability in mind. Steering ensures the car can take tight corners and heavy bumps all the same.

 

Suspension

Lead — Colin Kilby, Sophomore Aerospace Engineering Student

Offroad vehicles encounter some of the toughest, most unpredictable terrain. The suspension systems are designed to tackle the unexpected. Shocks, springs, uprights, control arms, bushings, and trailing arms are designed to create a responsive vehicle that can withstand the roughest roads and highest drops.