ASME Human-Powered Vehicle

The goal of this project is to design and build sustainable, practical, and competitive transportation alternatives called human-powered vehicles. These vehicles commonly consist of a recumbent-style frame, traditional bicycle drivetrain, and an aerodynamic full fairing or shell. The frame must be lightweight and economical. The frame determines the critical loading points needed to integrate the drivetrain and fairing components and was completed first. Like modern bicycles the drivetrain was designed with different gear ratios to allow for a wide range of speeds, topping out at more than 50 miles per hour. The final component is the fairing, which must not exceed the customer’s desired maximum weight of 60 pounds. Another key feature of the fairing is the roll-protection system that protects the driver in the event of a rollover. Other features, such as lights, mirrors, and a parcel compartment, were installed to provide a safer, more comfortable commute. The team competed in the annual American Society of Mechanical Engineers Human Powered Vehicle Challenge to test the practicality, speed, design, and durability of the vehicle.