Scholarly Articles to Refer during Design phase

The design of various components though sometimes might seem too main stream, can be made interesting when one tries to incorporate result of recent research works in field of automobile, In particular, those related to a BAJA ATV.
When a team presents its buggy before the professionals, it should be able to reason out each single aspect of the car’s design. The strong backup for the reason is well bolstered by citing the research works which are published by SAE. Some of the good citations are discussed below.
(The papers shall not be available for free! This is just a guide which provides an easy way to look for SAE papers)
Validation of computer models:
1.Longitudinal performance of a BAJA SAE vehicle
http://papers.sae.org/2010-36-0315/
Abstract gist: sensors and data acquisition system research, validation, fixation and installation in the vehicle, test and process of acquired data. From these steps, correlated data were acquired from magnitudes such as angular velocity in transmission shafts, global longitudinal acceleration and velocity, travel of break and throttle pedals and pressure inside of master cylinder.
2. Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Shafts – Applied to a Mini Baja Prototype Suspension:
http://papers.sae.org/2000-01-3160/
Abstract gist: Piezoelectric accelerometers were used to measure dynamic response of the system. The numeric analysis was made using the transfer matrix method. By comparing the experimental results with those obtained by the transfer matrix method, the validity of this analytical approach is confirmed.
3. Validation of a Mathematical Model that Studies the Critical Steering Angle for a Lateral Rollover on a Baja SAE Vehicle:
http://papers.sae.org/2011-36-0186/
Abstract gist: A comparative analysis presents similar values between the results obtained with the mathematical model, developed with the MATLAB software, and the results from the field tests, validating thus the purposed equations.

Chassis:
1.Structural Considerations of a Baja SAE Frame:
http://papers.sae.org/2006-01-3626/
Abstract gist: A track is considered to have a sampling of obstacles and terrain that would be a good representative of what SAE Baja vehicles typically encounter. This work considers basic frame requirements, and explores several of these load cases using both experimental and numerical tools.
2. An Experimental Investigation on the Modal Characteristics of an Off-Road Competition Vehicle Chassis
http://papers.sae.org/2003-01-3689/
Abstract gist: The goal of this experimental modal analysis is to validate a finite element model of the chassis, in order to develop a flexible multibody dynamic model of the complete vehicle. A preliminary finite element modal analysis of the test article was carried out in a free-free boundary condition. A random signal was used for FRFs acquisition. A multimode identification algorithm was used to acquire the system’s modal parameters

Transmission:
A Hybrid Transmission for SAE Mini Baja Vehicles:
http://papers.sae.org/2003-32-0045/
Abstract gist: The hybrid transmission described in this paper provides a wider range of torque ratios by combining a CVT with a two-speed manual transmission. Included is a description of the major components, a derivation of the equations used to model the primary pulley in a simulation used to select the desired gear ratios.

Suspension:
Dynamic Experimental Analysis of a Mini-Baja Vehicle Front Suspension:
http://papers.sae.org/2001-01-3846/
Abstract gist: An electric strain gages were bonded at the most critical points to measure the dynamic strains due to an impact load. The data obtained through an A/D converter with an instrumentation software, was used to evaluate the maximum loads acting on the suspension.

Innovate!
Thermoelectric Generator Applied to a Baja SAE Vehicle:
http://papers.sae.org/2011-36-0373/
Abstract gist: The electrical energy produced in Seebeck Effect Cells, assembly in engine exhaust manifold, is conditioned and applied in vehicle batteries and supply energy consumption during vehicle operation. This action could increase the vehicle energy efficiency by the recovery the thermal energy dissipated.

Optimisation:
Weight Reliability-Based Optimization of Framed Vehicles:
http://papers.sae.org/2003-01-3653/
Abstract gist: A procedure for optimization considering discrete design variables is applied in weight optimization of a mini baja structure, with reliability-based design constrain. The lifetime estimation is based in time-domain approach, using “stress levels vs. Number of cycles” curves, the Palmgreen-Miner Rule to compute the cumulative damage and the Rainflow Method for cycles counting