AeroVelo —creating the world's fastest recumbent in Toronto

 



Canadian team, known for being first in the world created in the last year, a helicopter driven by muscle power of the person, started on a new achievement. Plans led by two graduates of the University of Toronto AeroVelo create a bike that is able to break the world speed record for this type of transport 133.8 U.S. km/h.

The prize, a quarter of a million dollars, established for the creators of a "flying bike", waiting for its owner for 33 years. Award for the helicopter did not moderate the ardor of enthusiasts, on the contrary, accumulated experience, they wanted to use it.

"The helicopter made a huge impact in shaping our approach here, — said one of the team leaders Cameron Robertson (Cameron Robertson). We suffered many setbacks and faced many unknown, but in the end has developed several design options that are exercised".

Robertson contends that although the aerodynamics of ground transportation — recumbent bike in a robust streamlined capsule — different from helicopter approach to the selection of materials and production processes are very similar.

The existing speed record bike set by a Dutch team last fall at the international competition of vehicles driven by human World Human-Powered Speed Challenge. But prior to this achievement, demonstrated by Sam Whittingham (Sam Whittingham) team Quadra Island of British Columbia lasted nearly 14 years. The team from Toronto determined to bring the record to Canada.

Recumbent named "This" in honor of the seventh letter of the Greek alphabet traditionally used in science to denote efficiency. It has three test pilot, but the record run is likely to trust Todd Reichert (Todd Reichert), the second leader of the team.





Reichert piloted the helicopter last year. In the words of Robertson: "he has abnormally large feet", which Todd may "cheat" by 10-15% more energy than other people.

No matter how strong Todd Reichert, will help him in physics. According to Professor University of calgary Brian Mackintosh (Brian MacIntosh) Cycling is the most effective way to use the capabilities of the human body. "Rowing is intermittent. You apply power, accelerate forward, and then, during return to initial position] slow down. During Cycling you can apply power to the pedals constantly," says the Professor.

The cost of the project, as reported by Robertson, amounts to a total of $120000, of which most will be obtained through donations and sponsorship, including via crowdfunding. The construction of a functioning velomobile is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

materials CBC



Source: facepla.net