Steering

Dillon Saulsberry
Steering Lead

In the past few years of my time here at UTD, I would say that the best decision I made was most definitely joining Dallas Formula Racing back in my freshman year. With this team, I was able to jump-start my growth as a young mechanical engineer and further strengthen my love for automotive design through the team’s provision of exciting engineering projects and guidance from seniors. In addition, I’ve had many wonderful experiences outside of engineering through my interactions with my loveable, kindhearted, and talented peers.
I’m looking forward to continuing my role as steering lead and sharing my learning experiences with all who decide to join my team!

Contact Me

Email: dxs200078@utdallas.edu

Projects

Design
Scaled-Down 3D Printed Steering System Model
Steering Column and Bevel Gearbox
Steering Rack
Tie-rods and Steering Arms

Development
Research into Power-Assisted Steering
Research into Rear-Wheel Steering

Dynamics
Lap-time Device Modeling/Optimizing
Steady-State Cornering
Modeling/Optimizing Transient Cornering

Skills

Mechanical Design
Vehicle Dynamics
Computer-aided Design (CAD)
SolidWorks Modeling
Structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
SolidWorks Simulation
Ansys
MATLAB/Simulink
Microcontroller Programming

For all projects, members should expect to learn and utilize the engineering design process starting by identifying the problems/potential improvements, then begin researching, prototyping, designing, verifying, overseeing manufacturing, and validating. In addition, members mustlearn todocument their developments (through organizers, IEEE research papers, etc.) and prepare progress presentations at the end of each school semester. Other technical skills will be covered based on a member’s project.

 

New Members

New members are expected to learn the fundamentals of FSAE steering systems which includes their mechanical/electrical components, geometry, and dynamic behavior. To ensure that people of all skill levels are accommodated, projects will be provided based on a member’s expertise and from thereon, an increase in difficulty per project completion. Members are given the freedom to work on their projects at their own pace, however, it’s highly recommended that a member puts in the effort to attend all weekly meetings, learn their subject (e.g. reading textbooks, reading research articles, researching online, etc.), produce quality work, and complete assigned tasks by their deadline.