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
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
3-2022
Primary Advisor
John Fabijanic, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This Final Design Review (FDR) Report outlines the senior design project of the Baja SAE Semi-Active Suspension group, which includes mechanical and electrical engineering students at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. This document compiles the Baja SAE Semi-Active Suspension senior project team’s research and development of a semi-active suspension system for the Cal Poly Racing Baja SAE racecar. The goal is to design a system that adjusts the damping constant of the racecar’s spring-damper suspension while the vehicle is being driven in order to improve vehicle dynamics and driver comfort. None of the semi-active dampers that exist on the market were built for a Baja SAE-type application. Initial technical and existing product research found that magnetorheological fluid, electrorheological fluid, and mechanical valving are the main three ways to vary damping rate in a given damper. Interviews with industry professionals and controlled convergence analysis of these damping adjustment methods lead the team to develop a concept design that focuses on adjusting high-speed compression damping using a mechanical actuator which is controlled by an electronic control loop. Further research and exposure to the off-road suspension industry encouraged the team to narrow the focus of the project to utilize an existing valve actuator and develop the control algorithm to retrofit the valve for the Baja application. The team’s scope focused on developing an electronic interface and test bench setup to test the first iteration of the semi-active damper off-car. The team’s results and recommendations for future projects are detailed in the results and conclusion sections respectively, and they serve as a starting point for the next senior project group that will continue the project’s development for on-car applications.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/669
Included in
Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls Commons, Navigation, Guidance, Control, and Dynamics Commons