Project Phases
Phase 1: Research
During Phase 1, each HPVC team member will perform research within a designated topic area for the vehicle. Each member will be expected to have sufficient knowledge on his/her designated topic at the culmination of the research phase. The scope of work will include:
- Rider ergonomics, rider position, and power output research to be accomplished by Hubert Gorka
- Wheel size and wheel type research to be accomplished by Ali Albaiti
- Lean steering, linkage, suspension, and front/back advantages to lean steer research to be accomplished by Christopher Larson
- Composites and frame materials and belt/chain drive research to be accomplished by Maxwell Wheeler
- Bicycle component comparison research to be accomplished by Caitlyn Henderson
- ASME Chapter members interested in HPVC shall be assigned research topics
Milestones:
- A developed list of the most effective and efficient components and materials for use in Phase 2
Phase Goal: Complete research and apply to design.
Phase 2: Design and Analysis
During Phase 2, the team will incorporate research accomplished during Phase 1 to design a speed class vehicle capable of carrying two riders. The scope of work will include:
- Integrate research to design the most effective and efficient vehicle
- Design the vehicle based on realistic components and manufacturing capabilities
- Perform analysis on final three designs to determine vehicle aerodynamics, ability to carry riders, and ability to perform at speed
Milestones:
- Three completely designed and analyzed vehicles for the consideration of the client
Phase Goal: Select a final vehicle design to construct within budget and time constraints.
Phase 3: Purchase Materials
During Phase 3, the team will agree upon materials and components. They will be purchased with available funding. The scope of work will include:
- Compile and manage complete bill of materials
- Quotes of materials and components from various suppliers
- Order the most cost effective parts that meet design and budget requirements
Milestones:
- Fairing materials and components accounted for
- Frame materials and components delivered and accounted for
- Bicycle components delivered and accounted for
Phase Goal: Purchase all materials necessary to complete the vehicle.
Phase 4: Fabrication
During Phase 4, the team will build the vehicle to the final design specifications chosen in Phase 2. The scope of work will include:
- Manufacture and assemble all components
- Ensure all parts are mechanically sound
- Ensure all parts fit assembly correctly
- All manufacturing will be done or directly overseen by Capstone team members
Milestones:
- Frame
- Final frame completely built
- All steering assembly and linkage fastened to frame
- All power train and bicycle components fastened to frame
- Final rolling chassis complete and ready for testing
- Fairing
- Final fairing manufactured by vendor or by team
- Assemble frame and fairing
Phase Goal: All manufacturing shall be completed at least two weeks prior to Phase 6 to allow time for Phase 5.
Phase 5: Testing and Training
During Phase 5, the team will ensure the vehicle meets all safety requirements set forth by the 2011 ASME HPVC Rules and test the vehicle to verify that it can perform at maximum speed and capacity. All riders will be trained on the vehicle in preparation for the competition. The scope of work will include:
- Riders will have a thorough understanding for and comfort level with the vehicle, its components, and its operation
- All team members will be able to perform basic maintenance and repair on the vehicle
Milestones:
- Vehicle will perform at a competition-ready level
- All riders have been selected
- Aerodynamic comparison testing completed
Phase Goal: Verify that the vehicle is safe to compete with, potential malfunctions have been identified, and riders are prepared to compete in the vehicle.
Phase 6: Competition and Review
The team will compete with the completed tandem vehicle in the speed class of the 2011 ASME HPVC East, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, over the weekend of April 29, 2011. The scope of work will include:
- The team will ensure transportation to the competition
- The vehicle will be competition ready on the date of the first competition
- The vehicle will compete in the design, sprint, and endurance categories
Milestones:
- The team successfully competes in the design, sprint, and endurance competitions
- Post-race reflection on vehicle qualities and limitations to prepare for future improvements
Phase Goal: Successfully compete in the 2011 ASME HPVC East.