MAE solar car project : braking and steering

Abstract

The aim of this project is for a group of students to design and build a new solar car to race in the World Solar Challenge in October 2009, incorporating lessons learnt from the previous solar car, while adhering to the rules and regulations specified by the organizers of the race. In this report, the author will be looking at various types of braking systems as well as steering systems and selecting the most appropriate braking and steering systems to incorporate into the new solar car.

The selection criterion for the braking and steering systems are that the systems must be as simple and lightweight as, yet they must be able to meet the requirements as stipulated in the rules and regulations of the World Solar Challenge. The author will then design, purchase and fabricate the braking and steering systems for new solar car.

Several issues were encountered during the project. One of the major issues that were encountered was the difficulty in locating local suppliers for the braking system. The issue was eventually resolved by locating suppliers in Johor, Malaysia. Another issue that was encountered was the difficulty in coordinating between the various design areas. The issue was resolved through better communication between the students.

All in all, the author has gained knowledge on the various braking and steering systems, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. The project objective of designing a solar car to participate in a race was met.