By: Mark Sidebottom, Robert Searby, Steve D’Aiutolo & Brian Dorward
Advisers: Dr. S. Chang, Dr. N. Asper & Dr. L. Grega
The ASME Human Powered Vehicle competition is an intercollegiate competition, which focuses on innovation in sustainable short distance alternatives to automobiles. The competition consists of a drag race, a two and half hour endurance race, and a design evaluation of the vehicle with a focus on innovation. Four senior mechanical engineers and one sophomore mechanical engineer have designed and will build a vehicle for the competition. The team plans to incorporate lightweight materials and ergonomics to create a vehicle that will be a strong competitor in both races and in the design evaluation. Some innovations the team will be using include the use of an aluminum frame, a hybrid fairing design, and retractable outrigger wheels for stability. The team believes that these innovations will ensure that the team will be in contention for first place in the competition improving on last year’s 10th place finish.