Baja SAE Semi-Active Suspension

Author(s) Information

Cameron Paul Jones, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Ethan Jacobi Mikel, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Joshua Macguire Wright, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Aditya Garg, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2023

Primary Advisor

John Fabijanic, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

This document outlines the design and justification for the final design of the Baja SAE Semi-Active Suspension Senior Project. The goal of the project was to build a base valve that can adjust suspension damping rates on the fly. This document details the ideation, design, manufacturing, design verification results, and detailed drawing package for the project. Additionally, this document includes information regarding the pressure drop calculator, O-ring calculations, and CAD. The manufacturing processes used to create the valve and the testing and evaluation of the valve are included as well. Finally, the methods that were used to manage this project and keep it on schedule are explained. The design used to meet the project requirements was a two stage base valve in the suspension system where the damping rates can be adjusted at any time with a solenoid that changes the back pressure on a poppet valve. After the valves were manufactured, they were brought to Fox Factory in Scotts Valley where they were tested on a shock dynamometer to evaluate the damping curves at various solenoid settings to then make adjustments to the valve set-up so the desired damping curves could be created. From this testing, the custom base valves were able to produce damping curves close to what was desired were determined, but further testing and modification may be done in the future to further tune the valve.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/739