3- vs. 4-Wheel Car

This all boils down to one question: Should we build a car with 3 or 4 wheels?

There is a decision matrix that displays all the criteria that must be considered. The tasks is to go through the matrix and conducting research for the different criteria present. Where applicable, I noted if there were other members conducting research for that specific criteria. This is a very big task, but if some general thoughts can be documented for each of the criteria, then it can be a stepping stone for a decision or more research.

Task 1: Steering Types

In the decision matrix linked there’s a child matrix for different steering types. This would be a very good place to start. Don’t just look at the ways it’s done, but some extra details like caster and scrub radius to understand the overarching impacts it will have on vehicle handling.

At the end of this I would like to see a decision matrix for the Tadpole/Teardrop and Delta 3-wheel configurations with reasoning like in the bullet vs. catamaran decision matrix (Bullet vs. Catamaran Decision (Mech Leads Meeting 2022-02-26)). To be clear, one decision matrix for each design, coming to a conclusion to which type of steering (front, rear, or all-wheel) is best for each design.

Task 2: Article Review

Review this link (Engineering a 3 Wheel Vehicle Chassis) and summarize the reasoning for either of the 3-wheel vehicle designs. Organize some of your thoughts on a confluence page and fill in the correct areas of the decision matrix citing your summary. If you see a need to add more, or better define some of the criteria, please do so, just let me know.

Task 3: Subteam Analysis

This is a bit more of an abstract task (sorry). You’ll need to put in considerations for each subteam and what things need to be considered. For example, in chassis the net force going into the chassis is greater than it would be for a 4-wheel vehicle, thus more tubes would be require to disperse stress. In aero, the tadpole would help with a teardrop shape for aero dynamics, but is there anything else in terms of manufacturability?

This is a very big task that requires consideration into interactions between a lot of different subteams, so it might be better to work on this task in parallel with others, because there’s so much that can be explored that if you think about it in the back of your mind it would be better. Messaging other subteam leads is highly advised!

Task 4: Filling in the Matrix

Fairly straight forward, the numbers need to be populated in the matrix. Start with the weightings for each of the criteria. I trust your knowledge and intuition on this, and if I require clarification on the conclusions drawn, I will refer to the notes section.

3- vs. 4-Wheel Decision Matrix