SAE BAJA Team

Chassis Design, Powertrain, and Data Acquisition – BAJA SAE India & Enduro Student India

As a core member of PSI Racing Team—the official off-road racing and vehicle design team of NIT Trichy—I contributed to the full design and fabrication lifecycle of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) built for BAJA SAE India and Enduro Student India competitions.

Our team consistently ranked in the top 5 nationally among 100+ participating teams during 2020 and 2021.

My key contributions included:

  • Chassis Fabrication: Designed and helped fabricate a lightweight tubular steel frame with high torsional rigidity, complying with SAE safety standards.
  • Powertrain Modeling & Tuning: Developed a dynamic model of the CVT using MATLAB, which improved drivetrain tuning efficiency by 10%.
  • Data Acquisition & Telemetry: Led integration of sensor systems and real-time telemetry for in-depth performance analysis and dynamic tuning.
  • Track Testing & Calibration: Iterated on suspension geometry and drivetrain settings based on sensor feedback and driver input during rigorous on-track testing.
  • Team Achievements:
    • Top 5 in BAJA SAE India (2020, 2021)
    • Podium finishes in Enduro Student India
    • Recognized for innovation in drivetrain control and durability testing

Left: During the competition. Center: Suspension Testing setup. Right: Acceleration Test.

This experience helped me build a strong foundation in mechanical design, performance optimization, teamwork, and simulation-driven engineering—all of which continue to shape my work in the field of vehicle dynamics and mobility systems.