HYPERXITE POD X
Aerodynamic structures
The Aerodynamics Structures subteam intends to design a carbon fairing aeroshell to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency and accessibility of open-air components. SolidWorks is used to optimize the side and top profiles of the pod. Ansys Fluent is our computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software of choice, which we use to analyze the aerodynamic efficiency of our designs and to minimize drag and wake circulation. Our simulations operate at maximum achievable velocity of 20 m/s and use a turbulent flow model. We intend to manufacture the aeroshell in-house using a vacuum-sealed bagged layup process.
Static structures
This year, the Statics subteam will focus on efficiently allocating space to other subsystems and improving mounting structures used to integrate them onto the pod. The pod chassis will build off of previous chassis iterations and include mounting infrastructure for the new aerodynamic fairing and potential extensions to accommodate additional hardware from other subteams. Custom carbon fiber frames will continue to support forces from braking, propulsion, and pod weight at the center of the chassis.
DYNAMIC SYSTEMS
The Dynamics subteam focuses on modeling the pod system's dynamics, including springs, dampers, and linkages. The primary goal is to ensure the pod effectively absorbs impacts and quickly stabilizes after encountering bumps, minimizing vibrations that could cause parts to strike the track or become dislodged. This is accomplished by employing six degrees of freedom equations of motion to precisely model the pod, simulating its behavior in Simulink, and optimizing the suspension system accordingly.
BRAKING and pneumatics
The braking mechanism comprises a pneumatically actuated system composed of 6 actuators and 3 gas springs. Its primary function is to exert a force on the I-beam track, facilitating the deceleration of the pod to a halt after it reaches maximum speed. The pneumatic system provides mechanical energy from pressurized air to retract the gas springs, as the gas springs provide the force that enables the brake pads to apply frictional force, and bringing the pod to a controlled stop, even during any failure modes.
Thermal cooling
The thermal cooling system subteam conducts Ansys Icepack simulations to replicate fluid flow and predict thermal behavior while implementing a liquid cooling system that utilizes forced convective heat transfer to manage and optimize temperature control within the system.
levitation Research and Development
The Levitation subteam conducts research and development in electromagnetics and control systems for a magnetic levitation system using Ansys Maxwell and COMSOL Multiphysics, while also collecting and analyzing experimental data through sensors and coding in C, C++, and Python to refine performance and system stability.
Power Systems
The Power Systems subteam constructs a PCB that facilitates the pod’s Variable Frequency Drive and engineers a fail-safe using a Battery Management System device to prevent operational hazards and ensure reliable system performance.
Operations
The Operations subteam establishes and maintains communication with corporate sponsors and HyperXite alumni, manages all HyperXite social media platforms, and coordinates and leads planning efforts for the team’s annual Demo Day event.
Propulsion
This year, the pod features a 3-phase double-sided linear induction motor (LIM) harnessing electromagnetic forces for propulsion. Distinguished by its lack of moving parts, the LIM boasts significantly enhanced energy efficiency compared to conventional motors. Propulsion this year will be focusing on optimizing the coil winding scheme to output more thrust, and creating a winding jig to ease the manufacturing process.
Control Systems
The Control Systems subteam integrates mechanical and electrical subsystems, manages sensors through a finite state machine coded in C++, and provides remote operation via a control station that delivers real-time data through a graphical user interface..
