In February, we provided Case Western Reserve University with 6AL-4V 2″ Dia. They were able to turn those into u-joint yokes for their 2021 Baja SAE vehicle. CWRU’s technical director and drivetrain team lead, Tobin Gevelber, shared the pictures below and their experience with this year’s competition.
Dear Performance Titanium Group,
From Michigan Baja Racing we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued sponsorship as we compete in the Baja SAE series. Material donated by PTG has been instrumental in designing lighter, more durable components to endure the obstacles and terrain our vehicle must traverse.
Every year, Michigan Baja Racing redesigns a single-seat off-road vehicle to compete in SAE sanctioned competitions across the country. With the COVID-19 pandemic taking the world by storm for the past year, we had to make some tough decisions which culminated in reusing much of MBR31, the 2020 competition vehicle. Still, with the university working to provide limited shop access, we were able to make some major improvements to the vehicle over the past year. Most notably, we upgraded the newly added 4WD system to increase ground clearance and provide driver selectability. MBR31 v2 was unveiled in April and will compete at Baja SAE Louisville towards the end of May.
PTG has provided multiple different titanium alloys that have been used in our vehicle’s drivetrain to reduce not only static mass, but rotating inertia. Grade 5 Titanium was used to machine shafts that support roller bearings in our Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This weight reduction is especially critical because it is at the engine where rotating inertia is magnified. In addition, our gearbox shafts and inboard universal joint are made from Ti 6Al-6V-2Sn donated by PTG. This has allowed for much tighter packaging in the rear of the vehicle leading to superior ground clearance and suspension geometry.
We were happy to support the welding program of Pennsylvania College of Technology. They sent us a letter of appreciation that also tells a bit about their welding program and how important material donations are to their education.
This is the first year we had the opportunity to sponsor University of Washington’s Formula SAE team. Though they didn’t get to compete in the traditional sense, SAE still held virtual competitions for its teams. Team members Michael, Owen, and Aziz share with us their experience using the titanium and how they expected the virtual competitions to go. Looking forward to seeing where this experience gets them for next year’s competition!
PTG was able to offer support to University of Nevada Las Vegas’s Baja team – Rebel Racing – by way of of a titanium donation. We provided the team with 6AL-4V titanium bar and plate, Grade 2 titanium sheet and plate, and 6AL-4V Eli bar. Tian Chen, the team’s Project Manager, gives us a detailed report on why the team chose titanium and their experience using it. We’re so proud of the accomplishments this fairly young team has made and can’t wait to see how their car does in the fall! [Read more…]
This is the first year we’ve been able to support Harding University’s Baja SAE team, Baja Bison. Zach Charette, Co-Captain of the team, gives some insight below as to why they chose titanium and any issues the team ran into. We wish them all the best as they go into the competition phase.
PTG: Tell me a bit about your team and your role on it. What kind of experience have you gained being a part of the Baja SAE program?
Zach: The Harding University Bison Baja team is a relatively young team, competing in its first competition in 2013. However, this team has grown tremendously throughout the 7 years of competing. This tight knit group of peers is willing to work hard and have fun while doing it. I was the 2019-2020 Co-Captain of the team and recently elected to be the 2020-2021 Captain. I was also in charge of the research and development and manufacturing side of our operation. During the 2018-2019 competition season, I was the brake system lead. Throughout my 3 years on the team, I have gained wonderful experience in problem solving and overcoming challenges. The Baja SAE program has provided me with industry insight that, otherwise, I would not have. I am grateful for the knowledge and friendships gained through this program.
