University of Maryland Creates Human-Powered Helicopter with SolidWorks
08 Novembro 2011 - 11:00AM
Business Wire
We think nothing of flight today and even take it for granted.
It’s not unusual to see a helicopter give a scenic tour or provide
a traffic report with “eyes in the sky” for television news. With
software from Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., the Aerospace
Engineering department at the University of Maryland’s (UMD) A
James Clark School of Engineering is taking flight one step
further.
The UMD design team is pursuing a different type of flight: a
human-powered helicopter, which runs on energy generated by pedals.
While human-powered airplanes have been around for at least a
quarter of a century, human-powered helicopters pose a much bigger
challenge, as they need more power for flight height and duration.
For example, a 60-second flight pushes the limits of human
endurance.
To address this issue, the design team turned to DS SolidWorks.
Using SolidWorks® CAD software, the team created a helicopter
propelled by hand and foot pedals. Not only does the design need to
be aerodynamic, but it required durable, lightweight materials.
“SolidWorks has been critical to designing the complex parts
this helicopter requires,” said Joseph Schmaus, a UMD graduate
student working on the project. “Between the simulation
capabilities, which allow us to perform stress analysis on
individual components, and the ability to rapidly prototype complex
parts, SolidWorks has helped us to ensure we create effective,
safe, lightweight pieces for the larger design.”
The helicopter prototype—which weighs only 100 pounds—is
currently operational, and has broken two world records to date,
according to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the
world governing body for air sports,
aeronautics and astronautics world records. The
first UMD flight was recorded at four seconds and the second flight
at 12.4 seconds. The UMD team hopes to achieve the benchmark set
for the Sikorsky prize, which requires a flight duration of 60
seconds and a height of three meters.
“We applaud UMD’s accomplishments to date,” said Marie
Planchard, Director of World Education Markets for Dassault
Systèmes SolidWorks. “This is a cutting-edge design, and coupling
the power of human endurance with the right materials positions the
design team to continue setting and breaking records. We wish the
aerospace engineering department the best of luck with this
mission—and we’re proud to be on board.”
For images of the helicopter design project, please visit:
http://brandonbush.smugmug.com/HPH/Comcast-Testing/16928559_ZgGG72#1279571461_C9rPt5w.
Images courtesy of Brandon Bush.
About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A.
subsidiary, is a world leader in 3D solutions that help millions of
engineers and designers succeed through innovation. Our products
deliver an intuitive experience in product design, simulation,
publishing, data management, and environmental impact assessment.
For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit
our Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside
of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes
SolidWorks Corporation in the US and other countries. Other brand
and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2011
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
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