KLK320: Lightweight Transportation
Principal Investigator:
Edwin Odom
Project Objectives:
The objectives of this
project are to
-
Develop
algorithms for designing structures with least weight,
-
Develop genetic
algorithm-based laminate analysis software,
-
Apply design
philosophy and software to the design of a hybrid
electric-human powered bicycle,
-
Incorporate a
fuel-cell power source into the hybrid bicycle design, and
-
Develop and
integrated design approach for general application to
lightweight efficient transportation.
Task Descriptions:
-
Task 1: Design a
hybrid powertrain for a bicycle.
-
Task 2: Fabricate a
bicycle prototype based on the hybrid powertrain.
-
Task 3: Collect
data on the energy utilization of a fuel cell assisted bicycle.
-
Task 4: Transfer
the technology.
Milestones:
-
Project start date:
March 2, 1999
-
Mid-Project Design
Review: December 1999
-
Design Expo
Display: May 2000
-
Data Collection &
Modeling: December 1999
-
Second Generation
Prototype: May 2000
-
M.S. Thesis: May
2000
-
Project end date:
June 30, 2000
Budget Information:
UTC funds dedicated to this project total
$28,900
Student Involvement:
|
Student |
Level |
Major |
Support |
|
Organ, Kyle |
Graduate PhD |
Mechanical Engineering |
Tuition & Research
Assistantship |
|
Piaz, Arturo |
Undergraduate |
Mechanical Engineering |
N/A |
|
Zornick, Will |
Undergraduate |
Mechanical Engineering |
N/A |
|
Morrman, Darryn |
Undergraduate |
Mechanical Engineering |
N/A |
Relationship to the NIATT Strategic Plan and to Other Research
Projects:
This project supports NIATT’s mission to work with industry,
government, and research institutions to develop, test, and market
technologies that will improve the design and operation of
transportation vehicles. This project is part of the Center for
Clean Vehicle Technology and is an integral part of its objective to
develop, test, and evaluate technology products that support new
generation vehicles. This project also supports DOT strategic goals
in the areas of safety, mobility, economic growth and trade, human
and natural environment, and national security.
Technology Transfer Activities:
We
will pursue patent opportunities related to the vehicle powertrain. We
will write an SBIR proposal to fund further work in this area.
Potential Benefits of the Project:
The project will
provide several benefits including educating students. In addition,
the project has the potential to provide environmental and economic
benefits.
Project status:
Complete Final Report:
Note: in FY00, KLK320 and KLK321 were combined. See
KLK320a.
The final report
covers both FY99 and FY00 research
N01-02 (pdf) |
