A-Arms report

Nathan Cook

Leroy Wolter

Leonard Healy

Front and Rear A-Arms

Relevance and effectivenessHad to design A-Arms for formula SAE 2016 electric race car.

They attach the wheels to the body of the car via strong hollow rods and work in compliance with the uprights and other components to provide stability and steering to the front wheels and suspension to the back wheels.

Had to comply with the geometry and parts given to us already.

The A-arms are designed to withstand the transverse and longitudinal loads that are placed upon the car when the car is turning and braking.

Relevance and effectivenessThe A-Arms are made out of chrome moly 4130 which is both cheap light and

strong

The model that has been created had held up initial FEA analysis and can provide support for the car without breaking

Can be adjusted via easy to access rod ends to change the camber and caster to optimise the efficiency of the wheels

NoveltyLast years car had a problem with the clearance of the rear wheels which was

fixed this year with the new suspension geometry which the A-Arms follow

The A-Arms can be improved with different materials and manufacturing procedures but not without dramatically driving up the price and time taken to manufacture. The negatives didn't outweigh the positives.

Elegancesince it is easier and cheaper to make and at the same time is more accessible. It also exceeds all criteria given to us. Better fit for budget. Color matched to car. Environmentally friendly

Looked at 3 different materials: carbon fibre, carbon fibre kevlar weave and 4130 chrome molly

4130 chrome molly was chosen due to it having far more positives than the others such as ease of manufacturing, cheaper cost which made it a better fit for our budget and higher accessibility

GenesisThe design of these A-Arms can be taken and be improved in further years by

replacing the chrome moly tubes with tubes of a different material eg carbon fibre whilst still maintaining the basic design we have created.

The A-Arms design helps solve the problem that last years car has of the wheels spinning and losing traction when accelerating. It does this by providing the proper stability needed.

Thankyou.

Nathan Cook

Leroy Wolter

Leonard Healy