Testing
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Testing will consist of verificiation of adherence to the requirements.
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The chassis will be loaded with an average weight male and ground clearance will be measured.
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The camber angle of the tires will be measured at extremes of the steering sweep
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The suspension will be adjusted and maximum and minimum chassis height will be tested
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Full Report
Test 1- Ground Clearance
NOTE* Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Ground Clearance test could not be performed with an assistant as initially designed. To facilitate performing this test without assistance, two adjustments were made;
1. The rolling was assisted by pushing the EV down a slight incline located on the second floor of Hogue. This allowed the test operator to spend more time in control of the vehicle rather than pushing.
2. The data was collected using hands free video recording and analyzed using Vernier Video Physics.
Procedure:
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Verify height dimension of brick. Electrothon America Handbook dictates 1.5” must be cleared.
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Secure brick to level driving surface with duct tape. Place 3 strips of duct tape on the brick, spaced evenly apart. This duct tape will secure the brick to the driving surface.
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Load the vehicle with the average weight of driver. For this test, use 190 lb.
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Align the vehicle such that if propelled forward, it will pass over the brick on the ground.
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With the vehicle, and brick in position, push vehicle forward over brick.
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If vehicle clears brick when fully loaded with driver. The test is passed. If the vehicle and brick come into contact. Adjust suspension components and perform Ground Clearance Test again.
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Repeat steps 4-6 for a left turn and right turn of the vehicle, for a total of 3 directions of motion.
Test 2-Camber Deviation
Camber deviation was tested by holding the steering in three positions: forward, full left-lock, and full right-lock, and measuring the camber angle at these locations. The test was be performed in the Hogue Technology building, The camber test proceeded as intended without incident. Testing occurred on the second floor of the Hogue Technology building. Testing time from set up to clean up took approximately 30 minutes.
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Procedure:
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Place steering in forward position.
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Place digital inclinometer on wheel brake rotor.
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Record camber angle.
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Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for full left-lock and full right-lock steering positions.
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Calculate the change in camber angle from forward position to both left and right-lock positions.
inclinometer positioning
Test 3-Adjustability
A key component to automotive racing is tuning ability of the racing vehicle’s various systems. This includes suspension systems. The front suspension of the EV therefore, must be adjustable. To test the adjustability of the front suspension, the coil-over spring-preload/height adjustment collar was raised and lowered to the extremes of allowable travel. Ride height measurements were made while the vehicle is loaded and unloaded. Dampening effects werer observed. The suspension will be considered adequately adjustable if the high preload setting allows for less than ½ of the ride height deflection allowed at no preload.
Position 1
Procedure:
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Position vehicle on flat surface for test, ensuring to block wheels from rolling.
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Adjust suspension such that the upper spring perch on both sides is positioned approximately 2” above bottom of shock. (Position 1)
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Record ride height from the ground to the bottom of the chassis rail both while vehicle is loaded and unloaded.
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Adjust suspension such that the upper spring perch is approximately 3.5” above bottom of shock absorber. (Position 2)
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Record ride height from the ground to the bottom of the chassis rail both while vehicle is loaded and unloaded.
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Use the following formula to calculate change in ride height:
