Redesign of an FSAE race car’s steering and suspension system

Abstract

The chosen project is based on the redesign of the steering and suspension system for the University of Southern Queensland’s 2008 Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) or FSAE vehicle. In 2008 USQ’s FSAE team was forced to abandon the competition due to a crash into a barrier which was thought to have been caused by the car’s suspension and steering system. If USQ plans to enter a car into future FSAE competition it seemed appropriate that the current suspension and steering system be revised. The project aimed to uncover any problems with the 2008 vehicle and then use these findings, coupled with appropriate research, to create a new steering and suspension system that possesses improved performance. Although there is no team for the competition this year it is intended that all work completed will be able to be utilised by future groups in years to come. Completion of the project has seen the design of geometry for the suspension arms, suspension actuation mechanisms, uprights as well as the steering rack and arms. Additionally, concepts in the way of 3d models have been established for the suspension and steering systems.