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TESTING RESULTS

Figures: Testing Data Sheets
Figures: Testing Results and Graphs

In the final velocity test, the average final velocity for gravel was 13.02 mph and the for asphalt 15.56 mph. This was under the requirement for final speed. Reasons for this result may be due to the losses within the system, such as, vehicle weight, friction between the tires and ground, any friction in the bearings, and the possibility that the ESC of the system may be lacking power. Tracing through the results, this reports that the motor was only turning at 10,000 rpms. The calculate rpm of the motor was to be near 38,000 rpm. Further research was put into the system, and the battery requirement for the ASME Baja Race, may not be efficient enough for this ESC. This could have caused the lack of power giving a much lower motor rpm and final velocity.

The acceleration of the vehicle resulted in 7.35 ft/s2 for gravel and 10.57 ft/s2 on asphalt. This was expected due to the lower final velocity and could be directly related to the losses in the system that effect the final speed. For the difference in the terrains it was expected to see a lower acceleration in the gravel. The R/C car tended to spin the rear tires and lack the capability of getting grip as instantly as on the asphalt. The asphalt result was used to come the error percentage to the requirement, the error percentage was 38.8%. Further research will go into the system to try and improve the vehicles performance.

During the steering angle test, the results were within a 9.5% error percentage. The result for average steering angle was 54.3 degrees both left and right. The results were still under the requirement, but the steering system was still functional and allowed the vehicle to turn swiftly and handle turns without under steer. While looking at the graphs that showed the comparison of both wheels, it was found that under compression the wheels will react almost identically. This shows that the steering system, will react the same whether turning right or left, giving a success in the design.

After finishing the tests of the R/C Baja car it is apparent that more improvement to the drive train system and steering system could be made. Performance improvements that could be made would be in the velocity and acceleration. To improve the performance, the power to the motor would need to be checked and made sure the system was receiving the correct power. Beyond the power of the motor, gear ratios could be changed to reduce the torque and improve the final drive speed. Vehicle weight reduction would be the biggest target to start with, reducing the chassis plate thickness would help the vehicles final velocity and acceleration greatly. However, in success the vehicle is completely functional and could have competed in the ASME Baja Race. The final speed was lower than expected but the vehicle did obtain an impressive speed and acceleration. The vehicle also provided the proper steering and handling capability needed for the Slalom and Baja events.

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