FSAE car design - Shelby67

[Shelby67]

Hi guys,

We are designing a FSAE and I have to design the suspension elements. All dynamic calculus are finished, but I have to design uprights, wishbones, pushrods…
My question is about ball joints how can I calculate the size I need.

I think I must take the loads at the contact patch and translate them to the joints, but if I do that the forces at joints are very high. I’m thinking that it could be because my loads at the contact patch aren’t right.

My critical loads for a 290kg car are:

Longitudinal Load: 1.400N
Lateral load: 960 N
Vertical load: 1.200 N

Are too high?

Please say me if the “my process “ is wrong.

Kind regards.

[Jersey Tom]

Probably better to ask at fsae.com

[Caito]

Though I've never been involved in Fsae I ussually use it as a resource site.

I find it easier to use google to search the site.


in google:

site:fsae.com loads at wheel patches (for example).


It seems to me the values arent quite right. I know fsae does more than 1g turning

290kg = 2942N / 4= 710.5N. But we all know the 4 tires don't generate the same force

If it's the same front to rear. 1471N per axle. If the outer generates 75% of the force that's 1100N and I'd guess it's more than 75%

If you get 1.5G in braking(conservative, I think) With a 60/40 distribution.

290kg->2942N. 1.5g in brake would be a total of = 4413 N. 60& at front = 2647N. 1324N per wheel at the front.