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Unread 03-07-2008, 10:58
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Ken Patton Ken Patton is offline
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FRC #0051 (Wings of Fire)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Rookie Year: 1997
Location: Pontiac, MI
Posts: 338
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Re: 6WD Chassis Stiffness vs. Maneuverability

Quote:
Originally Posted by JVN View Post
I believe that the key to a well performing 6WD lies in the robot's CG. A lower CG will result in much better performance than a higher CG. Placement front-to-back is also important and will greatly change the way a drivetrain performs.
I think John has it exactly right. The lower CG machines - and the ones mentioned were lower CG than the 33 machine - were able to make the turns in a smooth and fast way.

I don't know this for sure - it would be interesting to get some comments from the 1114 or 254 people - but did they bias their 2008 fore-aft CG so that the bot is running on the back wheels through the turns? My guess is that they did.

One other item that you mentioned in the title is chassis stiffness. I have always thought that 33 machines have had a somewhat flexible chassis. Maybe this is causing an unintended wheel contact through the turns as the chassis flexes?

The previous 33 design, with short wheelbase center+rear drive (like you had in 2002 I think) was amazingly fast and maneuverable. I was surprised you guys didn't use that layout for 2008.

Ken