Custom Go-Cart and Golf Cart / Which Field? 2

[Silito]

Which field of engineering would be most capable in creating the primary designs for custom go-carts/tracks and golf carts? Or is this a task best/strictly left to experienced professionals from THAT particular field? I.E. are(automotive and/or other)engineers capable of multi-tasking into that realm?
Thanks for your time and patience in answering this off-beat question.

 

[bvanhiel]

There's not a "golf cart design" specialization as far as I know. There is much less regulation in carts as compared to automotive, so "generalist" engineers can handle the design.

Obviously an engineer with experience with carts will be able to keep you from making mistakes during development, but not every member of the team will need to be an expert.

-b

 

[Silito]

Thanks for your time Bvanhiel. Would it be reasonable to assume that a structural or mechanical engineer would be able to handle such a project, or at least produce a rough design? Similarly, could one also turn to a mechanical or structural engineer to design a basic hanger type structure in which these carts could be operated?

Again, thanks very much for your time.

 

[TVP]

Silito,

I think that this type of project should be led by an experienced automotive engineer if a reasonable vehicle (good packaging, relatively low mass, effective suspension, appropriate powertrain, etc.) is needed in a relatively short time (1-2 years). Detail design could be performed by mechanical engineers with more general experience, but without a knowledgeable person leading the design, it is quite likely that the design will be deficient in a number areas. What type of physical testing would be performed to confirm that it meets the functional requirements? Are there targets for required durability? Under what conditions?

I would not expect a mechanical engineer with an impeccable resume in the oil and gas industry or a structural engineer who has spent 30 years designing buildings or bridges to be able to pick up this type of project and immediately understand the trade-offs between wheelbase and achievable turning circle, how to best protect the underbody components from corrosion and chipping, or how to integrate the hundreds to thousands of components that it takes to assemble a vehicle. I would expect this out of an experienced "automotive" engineer, with automotive being loosely translated into having worked on vehicles that move something around. Regarding the second item on designing a hangar structure, you may very well be REQUIRED to employ a licensed structural engineer to design and build this type of structure. Unless it is a plastic shed for your backyard, large structures with roofs and doors and enclosures are designed and approved by professionally licensed structural engineers.

 

[bvanhiel]

By "generalist" I am assuming experience in product design and the relevant manufacturing methods (sheetmetal, plastics, fabrication, etc), but not specifically carts. TVP is correct in pointing out that mechanical engineering is a large field, and there are many areas that may not be relevent.

The structure will require a specialist, as there are many site specific codes with which to comply.

-b

 

[jimgineer]

Yes I would think an automotive engineer would be the way to go with a project like this-