RSU Design Roadmap
- Richard Wang
Goal for RSU on MS16
The primary objective for the RSU on MS16 is not to do a full redesign, but create a system that is more of an evolution from MS15. We aim to take the foundations from MS15 (nodal, loading force calculators, etc.) and improve them for MS16 based on new design constraints and parameters (e.g. welded tabs instead of clevises, thinner aerobody, new COG, etc.).
Roadmap
Fall 2024
As the RSU team started a little later, nodal creation began in mid-November. The goal for the end of Fall 2024 is still to have the nodal diagram finalized so the team can begin working on loading calculations and CAD work in Winter 2025.
Winter 2025
The goal for this term is to perform loading calculations, assess the forces on the design, and determine if any improvements need to be made to the nodal to reduce loads or improve performance.
Once this is complete, the team will begin CAD of the new trailing arm design. Considerations for this phase include materials and manufacturability. Goal is to have this completed before end of term.
Summer 2025
Over the summer, get into the FEA - Redesign loop. Using loading calculations from Winter 2025, we will perform FEA to determine stresses on the design. Based on the results of FEA, redesign to reduce stresses or mark the component as verified. Goal for end of term is to have this completed and the system verified.
Fall 2025
Begin manufacturing. Goal for this term is to create and review drawings, work with suppliers/sponsors for machining, and get the parts machined to be assembled. Aiming to have all parts sent out before end of September, and hoping to have all finished parts delivered before end of term.
Final Remarks
While the timeline shown is a rough estimate, the objective is to work faster than the timeline while ensuring that we do our due diligence in making sure the system is well designed/built. The transition points between tasks should be seen as hard deadlines that we do our best to meet. The absolute hard deadline for the system to be completed is end of term Fall 2025, +1 month if suppliers/sponsors/shipping needs a bit more time. Ideally, my goal is to have RSU fully assembled before the end of Fall 2025. This gives us ample time to test MS16 before going to competition.