what material is needed for project vehicle? 1

[CuSO4]

Hi all,

I'm not really sure where this thread should belong, but if anyone could guide me to where it fits in the forum it would be great.

I've been thinking of plans to build my own Human Powered Vehicle (HPV).

Here are some images that others have started on:

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2002/photos_mon/whpsc2000-varna-tech1.jpg

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2002/photos_mon/whpsc2002-varna1.jpg

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2002/richardjohnston/17world's fastest bikes.jpg

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2003/images/ArneHodalic/DSC_1158c.jpg

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2003/images/ArneHodalic/DSC_1174c.jpg

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2003/images/ArneHodalic/DSC_1539i.jpg

I would like to know what material is suitable for constructing the shell of this vehicle. what tools are needed? anything else that is needed?

Also, how would I design the shape to maximise the aerodynamics? AutoCad? are there programs out there to test the wind tunnel effects on this vehicle?

Does anyone have an idea on the approximate costs?

Thanks in advance

 

[rnd2]

(1) For material selection suggest: Composite Engineering Forum:

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=327

(2) For aerodynamics suggest: Aeronautic Engineering Other Topics Forum:

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=16