Members and guests were given an informative and insightful glimpse of the sheer hard work and determination of the University of Liverpool Velocipede Team to break the 'human powered' land speed record. Attendees were provided with an overview of the project which culminated in them braking the UK 'human powered' land speed record in 2015 and the ongoing work to take the team back to the 2016 competition. As well as listening to the presentation, there was the opportunity to ask questions as well as seeing the 'record breaking' velocipede up close and uncovered. Everyone who attend agreed it was an excellent evening.
The team has provide more information, along with a request for sponsorship / logistics assistance and if anyone has access to a potential venue to test out this years vehicle then they would love to hear from you.
University of Liverpool Velocipede Team
The ARION project was first offered in 2013 to eight third year undergraduate students, who immediately started work on the design of a land speed bike, cumulating in a wind tunnel model being manufactured over the Summer of 2014. This model was then tested at the wind tunnel facilities at MIRA to validate the CFD design.
In 2014, as these students moved to the fourth year, a further eight new third years joined the team. These third years started designing the ARION2 ready to improve upon the initial offering, while also being responsible for parts on the ARION1 itself. Being responsible for bringing a design through its life cycle was a new experience for the students, and the practical skills developed have prepared them for life after University. The opportunity to improve their skillset by working in the University’s workshop and with external engineering companies has been invaluable to their growth as professional engineers.
In September 2015, the ULV Team set the British land speed record for fastest human powered vehicle, reaching 75mph with the ARION1 Land Speed Bicycle. Over the course of the race week, the British record was broken three times by the ULV Team, and now sits an impressive 8 mph higher. With the lessons from the desert and the skills developed over the previous year, the Team threw themselves into proceeding with the ARION2.
The ARION2 will have some key design changes from its predecessor, incorporating a front wheel drive system, as well as larger wheels and a removable seat. The lessons the team have learnt have provided invaluable in the design of the ARION2, and it is currently on track to surpass the Team’s first attempt at the record.
The ULV Team are currently manufacturing the ARION2, having built fiberglass moulds for its aerodynamic shell. The carbon fibre layup of the bottom half of the shell has been finished, with the Team concurrently designing the internal components needed. Once these parts have been manufactured, they can be bonded into the shell, and the ARION2 will start to take shape.
The Team are once again racing the speed bike in Nevada in September, and are currently searching for a logistics sponsor to provide a way for the Team and the ARION2 to reach their destination.
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