Delft Students Hyperloop to the Future

Patents for conceptual, high speed, pressurised transport systems have been around for more than two hundred years. So, a substantial amount of research, design and development had already taken place when Elon Musk laid out his plans for ‘Hyperloop Alpha’ in August 2013.

Now, young engineers from across the world come together each year to compete, designing and demonstrating functional prototypes at SpaceX Headquarters in Hawthorne, California.

Delft Hyperloop

From Amsterdam to Paris in 30 Minutes

A team of student engineers from Delft University of Technology presented their Hyperloop concept at an NTUA TED X event in Athens and, in July 2019, competed at SpaceX HQ for the fourth year running.

They’re an inspiring group challenging the future of transportation with their vision of a better connected, sustainable future.

“We, at Delft Hyperloop, are using Simulia ABAQUS for structurally analysing our pod.  The program is very well designed with a user-friendly interface, this way even the engineers new to the world of FEA can quickly start with their first structural analyses.”

– Nick Faber, Lead Structural Engineer, Delft Hyperloop.

Making a Maglev Vactrain

The Engineering Magic of Magnetic Levitation

The student engineers at Delft University of Technology are using a suite of complex engineering software to design, simulate and produce their Maglev Vactrain, or “Hyperloop”. The soft vacuum tube in which their pod systems travel must be carefully maintained between 30-200 Pa. As this variable, soft vacuum allows for differences in passenger or cargo load while maintaining peak efficiency.

Hyperloop to the Future

Threading the Supersonic Needle

Although the top speed at the 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition hit a record high of 288mph, Elon Musk’s proposed Hyperloop Alpha would travel at supersonic speeds. To do this, the tube and pods must be engineered to withstand levels of pressure that are otherwise found only in space.

This means that the structural integrity of their designs must undergo rigorous testing before they’re proven to cope with such tremendous pressure.

But the creative ambition of our young engineers needs space for experimentation. So, it’s essential that students, and professionals alike, have access to highly accurate simulation software and expertise.

TECHNIA Simulation

Ensuring structural optimisation with ABAQUS

The ABAQUS software suite, developed by Dassault Systèmes, provides cutting edge Linear and Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis. It allows users to easily build, compare and explore product models using a broad range of material and situational analyses.

“The implicit solver is outstanding for analysing the impact of bumps on the suspension, braking and chassis subsystems. Additionally, topology optimisation of metal components is done with the Tosca suite, with which we have saved a lot of weight, leading to a faster Hyperloop pod.”

– Nick Faber, Lead Structural Engineer, Delft Hyperloop.

“Working together with Technia is a very pleasant experience. Not only was the partnership arranged in a very short time but they are also very concerned with our project. The technical support, as well as financial support, is going to help us design the winning pod!”

– Annabel Hazewinkel, Partnerships Manager, Delft Hyperloop.

TECHNIA Simulation experts are supporting the Delft University of Technology team as they develop advanced simulation models and begin reinventing transportation to eliminate the barriers of space and time.

About Delft Hyperloop

Delft University of Technology is a public legal entity in accordance with the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW). The main tasks include providing scientific education, conducting scientific research, transferring knowledge to society and promoting social responsibility. The university has been designated as a ‘public benefit institution’.

With a team of 33 highly motivated students from various disciplines of the Delft University of Technology, we will prove the technical and commercial viability of the Hyperloop concept. Among others, the faculties of Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Industrial Design are represented in our team. Together they combine their knowledge and expertise.

About TECHNIA Simulation

The TECHNIA Simulation provides premium FEA, Nonlinear Analysis and Advanced Simulation Consultancy. Our dedicated team of Simulation experts advise and support your innovation with a wealth of specialist knowledge and experience.

Our experience makes it possible to keep things simple, personal and accessible so that together, we transform your vision into value. With over 30 years’ experience, more than 6000 customers worldwide and world-class knowledge in PLM & Intelligent Engineering, we work together as a true partner and extension of your team to create an exceptional PLM experience.

Our team of more than 680 people work from 32 locations around the world. We deliver a premium service across vertical industries with a global infrastructure and a local presence. We adopt the latest technology and agile methodologies so that, even as technology changes, our relationships last a lifetime.