Powertrain & Drivetrain
What type of drivetrain do most Baja SAE vehicles use?
4 or All-wheel drive
What is the most common front suspension type in Baja SAE?
Double A-arm independent suspension
What type of brakes are required on all Baja SAE vehicles?
Hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels
What is Finite Element Analysis (FEA) used for in Baja SAE?
To simulate stress, strain, and deformation of components before manufacturing
Who founded the first official Baja SAE competition?
Dr. John F. Stevens at the University of South Carolina
What is the most common primary reduction ratio in a CVT setup?
3:1 to 4:1, depending on tuning
What does "bump steer" refer to?
Unintended steering input due to suspension movement
What is the purpose of a brake bias adjustment?
To distribute braking force between front and rear wheels for better control
What is the primary benefit of using FEA in Baja SAE vehicle design?
It helps optimize weight and strength, reducing unnecessary material use
What is the longest-running Baja SAE competition site?
Baja SAE Wisconsin
Why do Baja teams often modify CVT tuning
To optimize acceleration, efficiency, and belt life
What is oversteer?
Drifting! or when the rear of the car has no traction
What are floating calipers?
Both brake pads move vs just one side.
What is the most common failure mode that Baja SAE teams analyze using FEA on suspension components?
Fatigue failure due to repeated impact loads
Which country hosted the first international Baja SAE event?
Brazil
How does a torque converter differ from a CVT in Baja SAE applications?
A torque converter uses a viscous coupling, whereas a CVT relies on belt and pulley ratios
Describe positive Vs negative camber.
Tops out
What core physics principle is behind braking?
Friction
What is the purpose of performing a modal analysis in FEA for Baja SAE?
To identify natural frequencies and prevent resonance-related failures
What year did Baja SAE officially require 4-wheel braking?
1997
What is the purpose of a limited-slip differential in Baja SAE?
To improve traction by distributing power between wheels
What is understeer?
Scary. When the front of the car has no traction.
What component ensures all four brakes engage simultaneously?
Single master cylinder with balanced distribution
Why is mesh quality important in FEA simulations for Baja SAE parts?
A finer mesh increases accuracy but requires more computation time; poor-quality mesh can lead to inaccurate results
Which Baja SAE event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Baja SAE Rochester and Baja SAE Arizona