Testing
Before competing in the competition, the truck has to be tested. The team each had ten requirements associated with the tests for the car to complete. These tests were designed around obstacles the truck may encounter during the completion.
Overview
The testing of this truck will be largely conducted inside Houge at Central Washington university. More specifically inside the large garage area. This area is flat, so Max picked a spot with close access to the machine shop. Max oversaw steering and suspension. The tests were designed attempting to find weak points in the suspension and steering systems. Though rigorous, these tests were performed indoors. Houge has a large room with a tile floor that became perfect testing grounds.
Drop test
This slow-motion video shows the truck coming crashing down from the 600mm drop test. This test was used to determine how the shocks would withstand as well as all of Max's parts. The parts all survived the test but the shocks proved to be not enough. Though the shocks failed, it was a sigh of relief to see the car hold together through this test. the drop test was chosen first due to it causing the most strain on the car and the team wanting ample time to repair it.
Figure 4.1
Turn Radius Test
The turn radius test was conducted to test the ability of the trucks steering system. Max set a requirement for the truck to make a full 180 degree turn within a 1200 mm diameter circle or a 600mm turning radius. Max did the analysis for how much steering angle that was needed to make this turn. Max predicted the test would be successful as the truck was designed to make the turn.The turn radius test was an overall failure. After reviewing the analysis, Max caught that the angle found was not the overall needed but what each side needed. This meant the truck turned in twice the radius it was designed for. The results of the test yielded just that. Although this test was a failure, Max is still happy with how the truck performs and steers while driving
Bump steer Test
The Bump steer test was created to determine how much steering deviation occurs between the front left and right wheel during the full suspension stroke. What will be measured is the toe, or in and out, changed from both wheels as the suspension travels up and down. Max set and requirements that the truck will have less than 10 degrees from the centerline of bump steer. The bump steer test was a great success. Max had expected this test to go well as the suspension setup that was modeled is proven to be the best for bump steer. The test showed the truck had no bump steer throughout the suspension travel.
