A RECUMBENT TRIKE DESIGN WITH MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE AND VEHICLE DYNAMICS ANALYSIS

Abstract: The vehicle is designed based on an International Trike competition called ASME HPVC. The vehicle was designed to excel in speed, handling, efficiency, practicality and safety as these aspects will be tested in the competition. The team has also put in a lot of effort in the innovative side of the design as we strive to create a unique design that set us apart from other competitors. The design of the vehicle consists of background research, concept generation and analysis and testing to ensure the best possible design. To simplify the design process, the team was divided into five subsections with a single team member in charge of each section. These sections include frame, fairing, steering, braking and drive train. For each subsection, design concepts were generated and evaluated to make the best selection. The team also consists of a subsection dedicated only for innovation which creates inventive technology to improve the design of our vehicle. The vehicle is a front faired tadpole trike with a lightweight aluminum frame constructed from 6061-T6 tubing having a total weight of 25 kg. The front faring creates the perfect aerodynamic structure. Vehicle is designed to be safe and rider is protected by a rollover protection system (RPS) which is designed to meet the ASME HPVC requirements with a minimum safety factor of 1.9.

Keywords: Recumbent Trike, Ackermann Angle, Tadpole trike, Vehicle testing, Roll-over protecting system