Rear Hubs
My most recent project for Cornell Baja Racing involved designing the rear hubs for our off-road vehicle, a key component that transmits torque from the drivetrain to the wheels. I built on insights from last year’s hubs, particularly in spline geometry and material distribution, while optimizing for this year’s unique demands. Using engineering principles, CAD modeling, and finite element analysis, I created a design that balanced durability with weight reduction to withstand the dynamic forces of competition.
Design Overview
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Objective: Develop rear hubs capable of transmitting torque efficiently from the drivetrain to the wheels while withstanding dynamic forces encountered during off-road racing.
Design Requirements
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Must integrate seamlessly into the vehicle’s corner assembly.
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Able to withstand extreme forces, including a 720 lbf curb slam and landing scenarios.
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Ensure structural integrity with a factor of safety above 1.5 for all critical loading conditions.
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Prioritize weight reduction without compromising strength.
Specifications
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Material: Aluminum alloy for its balance of strength and weight.
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Components: Hub body, spline insert, and studs to maintain structural integrity and torque transmission.
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Weight: Minimized to improve vehicle performance while meeting load-bearing requirements.
Constraints
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Must fit within the given spatial constraints of the corner assembly.
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Compatibility with existing suspension and brake systems to avoid interference.
