Suspension Division

The goal of the suspension division is to design and tune a vehicle that allows the driver to maximize the tires' grip throughout each lap. Our division is responsible for designing, manufacturing, maintaining, and tuning the vehicle's suspension components, including control arms, steering, brakes, hubs, uprights, and our vehicle's unique mode decoupled springs and dampers. One of the most unique aspects of the Suspension Division is our combination of theoretical/mathematical design and modeling with hands-on mechanical work both in the shop and at the track, making our division one of the most versatile and well-rounded. Our division is heavily involved in computer simulation (including our in-house developed lap simulator), CAD design, kinematic analysis, structural design (including FEA in Ansys), and, most importantly, vehicle dynamics. Additionally, our team is very hands-on with the car, especially on race days, as we are constantly analyzing data and utilizing driver feedback to make setup changes and allow the driver to get the most out of the car. An example of our team’s mode decoupling system can be seen below. This unique system differs from the traditional "corner-sprung" design seen on most road cars in that it decouples the heave and roll motion of the chassis, allowing us to control the vehicle's straight-line and cornering performance individually. This unique design is rarely seen outside of Formula One and Le Mans Prototypes/Hypercars, making it a unique challenge for an undergraduate student team like us. For anyone looking to get their start in vehicle dynamics, vehicle tuning, and mechanical design and who isn't afraid to pick up a wrench and get their hands dirty, the Suspension Division is the perfect fit!