HYPERXITE POD XII
MECHANICAL SUBTEAMS:
STATIC structures
The Statics subteam ensures that the chassis can support both static and dynamic loads from the rest of the pod. Through the use of SolidWorks CAD modeling to design a strong frame, along with the software Ansys Mechanical to analyze stress, strain, and safety factors, they will continue to make improvements to this year’s chassis. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations in Ansys Mechanical will be used to verify a minimum pod-wide Factor of Safety of 2. Additionally, statics will work on subsystem mounting designs and collaborate with subteams to oversee integration.
STABILIZATION SYSTEMS
The Stabilization subteam designs the suspension systems that will ensure smooth travel and maintain proper trajectory of the pod. Using Simulink, they characterize and model the system to analyze the pod suspension’s impulse response behavior. The team then uses this data to modify both the components used and the overall linkage geometry. This year, the team will also focus on the development of a test rig to evaluate this year and previous years' vertical suspensions for more rigorous design validation.
BRAKING AND PNEUMATICS
The Braking and Pneumatics subteam works to create a pneumatically actuated braking system that uses gas springs and actuators to apply friction through brake pads. Using Ansys, SolidWorks, and FEA analysis, they design a system that converts mechanical energy from pressurized air into spring-loaded force, allowing for controlled and consistent braking performance. This year, they will focus on further implementing fail-safe mechanisms to ensure safe and controlled deceleration in the event of electrical power loss or other system failure.
THERMAL COOLING
The Thermal Cooling subteam utilizes forced convective heat transfer in order for their design to maintain the optimal operating temperature of the Linear Induction Motor (LIM). By modeling the LIM’s electromagnetic coils in SolidWorks and analyzing thermal loads in Ansys, the team will ensure that heat is effectively managed. The core goal of their system is to prevent the LIM from overheating, ensuring both safety and maximum pod efficiency.
ELECTRICAL SUBTEAMS:
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
The Propulsion subteam works on ensuring the motor runs efficiently with enough strength to keep the pod speeding along the track. Using Ansys Maxwell, they design and refine our three-phase, double-sided Linear Induction Motor (LIM), a type of AC motor that converts electrical energy to linear motion. Through collaboration with other subteams, they develop optimal power delivery and thermal management strategies for the motor.
LEVITATION R&D
The Levitation R&D subteam uses Ansys Maxwell to simulate and optimize electrodynamic suspension designs. They build test rigs with powerful, permanent magnet arrays, and then put those designs to the test with experimental setups, pushing the limits of how our Hyperloop takes action. To ensure everything is performing as expected, they verify results using data from distance sensors and through their code.
POWER Systems
The Powers subteam ensures seamless energy flow throughout the entire pod. They work with the battery pack that supplies DC power, implementing the Battery Management System (BMS) for safety, and stepping down voltages for lower-voltage subsystems. Additionally, they configure the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to power the Linear Induction Motor and design the control board for low voltage components using Altium.
CONTROL SYSTEMS
The Controls subteam blends hardware precision with custom software, keeping the pod intelligent, responsive, and completely connected. They engineer a network of sensors governed by a C++ finite state machine to deliver exact real-time monitoring and control. From the ground level, team members remotely operate the vehicle and track live data through a sleek React-based GUI.
OPERATIONS
The Operations subteam works closely with all other subteams in order to showcase progress, accomplishments, and frequent updates on all of HyperXite’s media platforms. External Affairs Representatives partner with companies through in-person events and online communication to discuss sponsorships and work out manufacturing logistics, while our Marketing Strategist works to design and maintain the brand image.