The University of Akron Human Powered Vehicle Team

Author

Maria E. Rizzo, University of AkronFollow
Andrew J. Derhammer, University of AkronFollow
Christopher M. Trowbridge, University of AkronFollow
Timothy M. Nutt, University of AkronFollow
Joseph R. Boyd, University of AkronFollow
Jeremy W. Marcum, University of AkronFollow
Jonathan E. Adams, University of AkronFollow
Donald G. Haiss, University of AkronFollow
Julia Wood, University of AkronFollow
Brian D. Goshia, University of AkronFollow
Scott T. Fagan, University of AkronFollow
Joshua D. Everhard, University of AkronFollow
Rebecca L. Slivka, University of AkronFollow

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-02 19:04:39

Major

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2016

Abstract

The University of Akron Human Powered Vehicle Team’s 2016 vehicle, Klokan, was designed, manufactured and tested with safety, reliability, performance and ease of use in mind. The vehicle is a fully faired tadpole trike with a lightweight aluminum frame constructed from 6061-T6 tubing having a total weight of 8.9 lbs. To complement the lightweight frame, the fairing is constructed from polycarbonate, PETG and carbon fiber strips which combine into a lightweight, easy to manufacture weather barrier and aerodynamic structure. Klokan was designed to be a safe and efficient mode of everyday transportation which ensures that riders are sufficiently protected by a rollover protection system (RPS) which was designed to meet the ASME HPVC requirements with a minimum safety factor of two.

The project scope includes all aspects of design and fabrication to create a vehicle that is easy to manufacture, easy to use, safe, and low cost to facilitate its usability in everyday situations. The team completed research on how to improve the manufacturability, reliability, and performance through analysis of designs, computer based modeling, and physical testing to validate that the bike meets team goals as well as exceeding the requirements set by the ASME Human Powered Vehicle Competition.

The frame was designed in a manner that reduces welding through the use of bends and allows for precision fixturing to be manufactured and used to construct multiple frames quickly and efficiently. The fairing’s modular construction reduces the need for specialized tooling while minimizing weight and construction time. The team designed and successfully implemented an innovative rollover warning system which actively monitors the percentage of vehicle load on each tire and warns the driver through audible tone and visual warning light prior to a dangerous rollover becoming imminent.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Scott Sawyer

Recommended Citation

Rizzo, Maria E.; Derhammer, Andrew J.; Trowbridge, Christopher M.; Nutt, Timothy M.; Boyd, Joseph R.; Marcum, Jeremy W.; Adams, Jonathan E.; Haiss, Donald G.; Wood, Julia; Goshia, Brian D.; Fagan, Scott T.; Everhard, Joshua D.; and Slivka, Rebecca L., "The University of Akron Human Powered Vehicle Team" (2016). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 359.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/359