References

A&C plastics (Ed.). (n.d.). Coroplast interprofile plastic data. Retrieved January 11, 2016, from
www.acplastics.com website:
https://www.acplasticsinc.com/techsheets/PD_CoroPlast.pdf
Summary:
This source is a PDF from a company that makes plastic materials, coroplast included.
This source has a lot of information on coroplast, such as its coefficient of static
friction which could be used later in my synthesis paper to show the benefits of using
this material. This source also shows other tests done on coroplast and how it faired,
such as the temperature it melted at, the amount of water absorbed in 24 hour
submersion, and its weight per unit for different thicknesses.

Application: All of this is valuable information to this project. For example, I plan to
shape the coroplast using heat. This means that I cannot heat the coroplast more than
165 degreees celsius or it will melt. Also, It shows that coroplast does not absorb
much water and so is functional even in rain.
Aerospace engineering. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2015, from University of Maryland
website: http://www.aero.umd.edu/
Summary
This site is the University of Maryland Aerospace department. I can use many of these
people as possible sources or advisers. This has a faculty directory that can also help
me find contact information and interests of professors at UMD. Another use of this
site is the ability to go to the other engineering departments, such as mechanical. This

has much of the same directory type information as the aerospace site, and I can use
this to help me find sources and advisers in this project.

Application Aerospace relates to my topic because one thing I will need to look into
and model is an aerodynamic shell to surround my vehicle. I need this because a
bicycle is very inefficient due to air resistance, and I will have to work around this. An
adviser in this field would be very helpful, and the UMD site will help me find
suitable people to contact.
Beauchamp, W. (n.d.). How to build a streamliner. Retrieved December 9, 2015, from
recumbents.com website:
http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/Plans/how_to_build_a_streamliner2.htm
Summary
This source has a list of different types of materials that can be used for a fairing, as
well as many links to helpful pages. Some of these links include online stores where
you can buy these materials, as well as links on how to shape coroplast and make
plugs. This source has a ton of information on many of the construction techniques I
will need to use when I create the fairing, and also some information on the
aerodynamics of the shell. This source has a lot of information on construction
techniques for building the entire fairing.

Application

According to Greg, I will need to make a plug that I mold the coroplast onto. This
source has instructions for making this plug, and many links to other aspects of the
project that will be very helpful to look up. It also tells the reader how to successfully
bend coroplast and shape it into the design you want. This source has tips and facts
that apply to the making of the mold itself, and will be very helpful when I begin
constructing my fairing.
Brent, M. (1988). U.S. Patent No. 4744577. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Summary
This is an expired patent of a similar device as the regenerative braking system I want
to build. This says that elastic has a better weight to load ratio, and has illustrations of
his device. It is different, however, because the energy conversion happens inside a
hub and wraps around a pulley. This would not be as easy for anyone to build, but is
more compact.

Application
This can be applied to my research because this shows that the device I want to create
is feasible as a similar thing has been done. The difference is that the device created
for this project also stores power generated at home or wherever without moving. This
patent, however, shows that this too is usable and a practical application of this energy.
Briggs & Stratton Pinion Gear. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/briggs-stratton-pinion-gear?cm_vc=-10005
Summary
This is the website of the tractor Supply Company. It is like home depot for farmers,

and has a lot of interesting things such as gear, belts, and pulleys. The prices are not
very expensive for gears and belts, and there is enough selection that you can mix and
match when you get there to find out what best suits your needs.

Application
It is not too far away, and is a good place if you want to see what you are purchasing
before you actually purchase it. Someone can get gears, belts and pulleys here that can
function in the gear train for regenerative braking. It is also where someone can get the
pulleys and possibly belts needed to make the larger gear ratio on the vehicle.
Constructing the foamshell. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2015, from Metro Area Recumbent
Society website: http://www.recumbents.com/mars/pages/proj/tetz/OFS/projtetzOFS.html
Summary:
This has an article about how to build a fairing in the way that Greg suggested. This
has a very detailed account of what this person did to make a pretty effective shell, and
increased his efficiency about 35%. It has instructions for making the plug, the tools
needed, pictures of what to do, what safety features it has, and a lot of measurements
and things that will help a lot if I make a similar project.

Application:
This could be applied to my research because this would be a very good guideline for
me to follow. I will need a few similar sources to cross reference this source, but this
is a good start. This also has many measurements and pictures for me to follow. One
more thing that could apply this to my research is that I could contact this person if I

want any more advice, especially as he has used this technique. This could be very
interesting and helpful to my project.
Coxworth, B. (2011, August 16). Flywheel Bicycle: KERS for pedal-pushers. Gizmag.
http://www.gizmag.com/flywheel-bicycle-regenerative-braking/19532/
Summary
This is an online magazine article about a flywheel bicycle that was created by a
college student. It says that it retains the energy wasted in braking, but from what I can
tell this is false. A flywheel is turned as he pedals, and when he stops, it continues to
turn. When he wants the acceleration boost, he engages the gear and uses the spinning
energy to push him forward. This seems to me to be using energy he already created
and stored after he braked, and not capturing the energy wasted in braking. What it
says happens is he shifts the gear ratio to maximize and minimize input as needed,
which should help save some energy. However, carrying a 15 lb disc can't help much
either. This is the only good example of regenerative braking that I found that did not
convert it into electricity first, and shows what other work was done in this field.

Application
This can be applied to my research because it shows what other people have done in
this area, and I can use the knowledge of what has been attempted in the past to create
better products now. He says that shifting the transmission to other gears also helps,
and this I may be able to use to maximize out put. I'm not entirely sure if that would
work in my setting, but it is a good point of something i should look into.
Cusick, D. (2012). Can e-bikes replace cars. Scientific American.

Summary
This is an article on how e-bikes are becoming more popular in big countries such as
the USA and China. This talks about the many benefits of cycling, such as how it
makes people healthier, use less energy, and take up less space in cities. It also talks
about how much more efficient e-bikes are.

Application
This can be applied to my research because this has some good statistics about how
biking and e-bikes have changed and their efficiency levels, which could be good to
include in my synthesis paper. This also talks about climate change and the reason we
need to use things like this, another major selling point of this project.
Firoz, A., Silva, P., & Zimmer, G. (2012, March). Aerodynamic study of Human Powered
Vehicles. Melbourne, Australia: Procedia Engineering.
file:///C:/Users/gkohn9302/Downloads/Aerodynamic%20Study%20of%20Human
%20Powered%20Vehicles%20-%20by%20Alam-Silva-Zimmer.pdf
Summary
This source is from my .75 adviser, Dr. Jewel Barlow. She gave it to me via email so I
can read up on the aerodynamics of Human Powered Vehicles, an essential part of my
project. This is a research paper from the University of Australia, where they tested
faired and unfaired human powered vehicles in a wind tunnel. The findings of these
tested showed that faired vehicles had a signifigant reduction of drag over unfaired
vehicles, and that seat position tilted back also helped reduce drag because of the
smoother angles and less frontal surface area.

Application
This is applied to my research because it shows more information on the
aerodynamics of Human Powered Vehicles. I will evidently need to have a faired
vehicle if I want the project to work, and I will also want to have smooth angles on my
fairing and less surface area in the front if possible. This is also a good source because
it is a college report on a similar field to what I am doing, and so this helps me in my
personal search for a college and to see what is out there for me to go into.
Goodman, A. (n.d.). [Letter to the author]. Gavin Kohn (Email).
Summary
This is the email correspondence between myself and Alan Goodman, the chairman of
the Human Powered Vehicle Association in Great Britan. I contacted him to get his
input on aerodynamics in relation to Human Powered Vehicles, and he told me about
the aerodynamics of conventional bikes and that velomobiles are a good starting point.
He said that an upright bicycle at 20 mph wastes 80% of energy to wind resistance.

Application To Research
This is extremely important to my project because it shows that the biggest hurdle to
overcome is air resistance, so the main focus will have to be the aerodynamics of the
shell. I plan to contact him again if I have any other questions.
Gravino, M. (2011). U.S. Patent No. 20110198143. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/patents/US20110198143

Summary
This is an application for a patent that I may be infringing on if it is accepted.
However, the only reason this could be the case is because it seems very vague to me,
with over 20 claims. Most of these are very different from what I am doing, but a few
are similar in that they speak of springs that are coupled to slow down and then
changed to help accelerate. These usually have clauses that add something about a
sensor of acceleration to activate the propulsion and vice versa. I am not sure if the
operator pressing a lever counts for this, and so will have to keep an eye on it if it is
accepted as a patent.

Application
As this patent has not been accepted, I cannot be infringing on it at this point. As I
said, it has many claims, and a few of these faded out claims, or dependent claims are
shared with my system. However, dependent claims do not count. In any case, i need
this source to be sure I do not infringe on this patent in case it is accepted.
Hackett, G. (2014). Experiments in speed [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://vimeo.com/70921986
Summary
This video is a short web documentary about Donhou bicycle company, where the
owner built a bicycle with a huge gear ratio and biked behind a car at around 60 mph.
This video showed how fast his vehicle traveled, and also how much air resistance
affected it. It also showed clips of how it was built and how important different
aspects are to the integrity of the vehicle.

Application
This shows what type of a gear ratio was used, as well as some other points. They said
that balance is extremely inmportant at the speed, as is a cover for air resistance. In the
video they biked behind a car in order to reduce the wind resistance, and this shows
how essential a fairing is in order to move fast.
Hageman, M. (1991). U.S. Patent No. 5035678. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
Summary
This is a patent about an energy storing system for a bicycle. This shows that the
energy storing system would theoretically work, as a similar product has been created.
However, this system is not the same because this does not incorporate the brake and
it uses a compression spring. This patent is also expired, and it shows how one gear
train wishing the drive sprocket could store some potential energy.

Application
This can be applied to my research because this shows that it is possible to store
energy in a spring, and it would not break immediately at least. These sources also
show what a system looks like that can do part of what I want to implement on my
vehicle.
Harris, R. (1989). U.S. Patent No. 4813509. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Retrieved from http://www.google.com/patents/US4813509

Summary
This source is a patent about a form of regenerative braking system similar to mine.
This patent shows how Richard Harris created a braking system that stored some
energy in a spring when going downhill, and used the energy going uphill. He
achieved this through a mercury switch that shifted the transmission whenever it was
faced down or up. While this is similar, the claims in this patent do not match up
precicely with the claims that my device would make. This patents says that the spring
must be diconnectable at both ends, and my braking system only uses one end to shift
energy while the other end remains constant.

Application
This source is very important as I have to be sure I am not infringing on any of their
claims, and therefore their patent. My dad saw this and said it is now expired, so I can
use whatever parts of it that I would want. I can also learn more about what to add in
my braking system from this patent, and use any pieces as it is now expired.
Home Depot. (n.d.). Retrieved from Home Depot website: http://www.homedepot.com/
Summary
This is the home page for Home depot and has costs for many different supplies and
materials. This has a search engine within the company that also makes it very easy to
find and price any materials needed.

Application To Research

Part of my project includes making the end product affordable. I need to find out how
much materials cost and if they are readily availible to people in most areas. Home
Depot is a good source for this because it is in most areas, and has prices for most
materials needed. Also, if it there is a material that is not there, it shows that this will
be less easy for people to find. Therefore, I will have to use a different material for
that purpose.
Hoppenstedt, M. (n.d.). The Fastest Bicycle on Earth. Retrieved from
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-fastest-bicycle-on-earth
Summary

This article is about another team with a recumbent bicycle, and how they want to
break records as well. They said that it is relatively easy to travel at 60 km/hr for them,
and that their shell decreases drag by 100 times. There are many useful pieces of
information about this team, and they are from Delft University of Technology. They,
along with most other teams, race their bike in Nevada. Many teams are using three
wheeled bikes, but not all, and I think that this will be important to think about during
my project.

Application

This can be applied to my research because these are more people I can contact later
on. Also, it shows what has been done so far, which is always helpful. Their math

about the aerodynamics is interesting, what with it being 100 times less drag, and I
will definitely need to look into this for my research. 100 times less drag basically
means free speed with no more exertion than on a normal bike, and it has been known
that bikes are notoriously inefficient. In any case, this article should help me find what
I need to do on my project.
Human Power Team. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hptdelft.nl/en/geschiedenis.php
Summary
This article is about a team of students from Amsterdam trying to break the speed
record, and they held the record from 2011. This has made me

realize that all of the American colleges are boring and don't know what they should
be studying. Their site has a blog and journal of the attempt,

and also shows how they went about breaking the record with a speed of around 83
mph. This source has a lot of information on aerodynamics

and mechanics of a bicycle.

Relation To Topic
This relates to my topic because I can use this source for a number of things. First and
foremost, it is another attempt I can learn from by reading

about it from the site. This is not classified information so this may help show

information on the actual site, as opposed to the other group that did

not have many calculations on their site. Secondly, I can possibly contact this group as
well to find out what they did and how the were successful.

This could help me get another human source, and the human references I have had so
far have all been extremely helpful.
Jahangir, R., & Jones, B. (2014, November 22). Liverpool students aim for world's fastest bike
record with ARION1. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved from
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-29942010
Summary:

This source is about modern research on this topic, brings questions about
aerodynamics and power to mind. In the article, it says there is a team of mechanical
engineering students at Liverpool who are looking to break the record for the fastest
bicycle next week. There are pictures and an overview of the less detailed aspects of
their project, and it says hey are racing in Nevada at a competition for human powered
vehicles. The team has an olympic cyclist power their veliopede, as they call it, and he
has gone through extensive tests and training to be sure he can do it.

Application to Research:

This article can be applied to my project in many ways. For example, it shows that I
may have to make my design very aerodynamic, and also I will need to be sure I am
strong enough to power it without too much difficulty. Also, this article is good for my
research because these students are potentially people I can contact for interviews later
in the year. They have done a lot of research on the subject and would be good
resources to use. Finally, it shows that I will have to be wary about cost. Their project
costed around 40,000 pounds, and I want to budget mine under $500. This article will
be helpful in determining where I can save and where I should not.
Kolodziejzyk, G. (n.d.). How Far? [Blog post]. Retrieved from
http://adventuresofgreg.com/blog/
Summary

This is the blog and site of my adviser, Greg Kolodziejzyk. He posts about his
endeavors after he does them, and so has a blog post on his 2 hr

distance record. This has information such as about how he calculated variables for
Critical Power, his machine, and also what materials and things

were used. This also has how to spell his last name, which is very useful. This also has
information on how he broke records in land and air.

Application To Topic

This blog is very useful to me because I need to know what I am talking about when I
talk to my adviser, and I do not want to ask him questions

that are answered on his website as that is unprofessional. This has a lot of information
on the site, and will help a lot with aerodynamics. This blog

has information on hydrofoils as well, which is useful if I decide to add one to my

machine. Plus his last name. Very important.
Kolodziejzyk, G. (n.d.). [Personal interview by G. Kohn].
Summary:
This is a citation of an email type interview with the record holder for the farthest
traveled under human power. He rode a velomobile called critical power that had a
body that was extremely efficient. If it had a conventional car engine, it would be able
to travel about 10,000 miles to the gallon. He said that I could use an upright bicycle
with an aerodynamic body and did not have to use a recumbent bicycle, and that I
should not make a plexiglass shell as it would make the interior of my vehicle too hot.
I plan to keep in communication with him and show him my design plans before I
build my vehicle.

Application to Research:
This is applied to my research because he created a similar vehicle to what I want to

make, and so has firsthand knowledge. I asked him several specific questions about
my project, such as the material and aerodynamics. This would be beneficial to anyone
who wants to know about how to make a human powered vehicle and what materials
to use or not to use.
Liggett, B. (n.d.). Human Powered Car Can Go 30 MPH While Driving Uphill. Retrieved August
9, 2010, from inhabitat.com website: http://inhabitat.com/human-powered-car-can-go-30mph-while-driving-uphill/
Summary

This article is about a company with a human powered car on the market. This article
includes the average price, a video, and some stats about the car. One such statistic is
that it can travel 30 mph uphill, and that it costs $15000. It also uses a push/pull
method to generate electricity, which I have as yet not seen.

Application To Research

This article can be applied to my research because it has an alternative way to generate
the power for a vehicle. I had only really considered using a pedal system, but this pull
bar idea may be another thing to consider. This also shows that a potential competitor
to my product has a price of $15,000, much higher than I want my final product to be.
Also, it shows that it can go 30 mph uphill, and this would be a statistic to strive for.
Uphills are something that will be hard to contend with, and this 30 mph baseline will

be a good thing to shoot for. I have the advantage that my project will likely be much
lighter than this car, and so easier to move uphill.
Mercier, A. (2011, April 14). Trike Trek 11- Coroplast Fairing [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0Xm6CdYmMY
Summary
This is a video about how someone made a coroplast fairing for a recumbent tricycle.
This video has step by step instructions with images showing how someone made a
velomobile and what they used to create it. It shows the parts, tools, and construction
of the fairing.

Application
This will be very helpful because this was created without using a plug, and rather
braced on PVC pipe. I may use this instead of a plug, because this would be much
cheaper and less wasteful to build. This video will be very helpful for learning how to
create the fairing and can be viewed as step by step instructions to the extent that the
projects are similar.
Rosado, T. (1999). Hydrofoils. In MIT reference source. Martin l. Culpepper.
Summary

This is a reference source showing an MIT resource about how hydrofoils operate. It
says that they work by having two blades, one in the front and another in the back, that
are shaped similarly to a planes wings. These create lift in the water, allowing the
vehicle to rise up and create less drag. This source says that the way to use a hydrofoil

is to optimize the angle of attack. It said an angle of about 10 degrees is usually

optimal, as you want to increase the lift to drag ratio. It also stated the dangers of
using a hydrofoil when there are waves, because this can cause the craft to crash. This
source has a very handy equation to find out what you want your variables to be for
your purpose. that equation is d(p+rgy)/dn = rv/R, with all of the variables defined in
the site.

How it Relates

This source is very helpful for building water craft. This is related to my project
because I want to find out how to get from point a to point b. This does not only
pertain to cars or land traveling, but may also mean that I want to travel over water.
This is good for anyone who wants to find out the physics of Hydrofoils, and for my
project because I may want to use one when I build my vehicle.
Shi, S. (n.d.). Human Powered Vehicle Design Team. Retrieved from University Of Toronto
HPVDT website: http://hpvdt.skule.ca/
Summary
This is the home page of the Human Powered Vehicle Design Team of the University
of Toronto. It includes pictures of all of their past projects, as well as information on
each one. It also includes some vehicle designs the team is currently working on.
These include their top speeds for each of their projects, and some of the features of
each one. It also includes contact information for the team, and many images of

human powered vehicles.

Application To Research
This is applied to my research because it shows information and pictures of many
record holding human powered vehicles. I can use these in presentations, and to study
to create an idea of what I want my fairing to look like. Furthermore, I can see what
vehicles produced the greatest speeds, and model my own designs off of these. Also,
the contact information on this site is always helpful so that I can reach these people
and ask for their advice in the future.
U.S. Department of Transportation OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND
EDUCATION. (2001, July). OPTIMAL DESIGN OF HYBRID ELECTRIC-HUMAN
POWERED LIGHTWEIGHT TRANSPORTATION (Research Report No. 01-12) (E.
Odom & D. Gerbus, Authors). http://usa.gov
Summary

This is a government report on a project done by the University of Idaho. It is about a

team who wanted to do a similar project to mine, where they created a hybrid bicycle
with a planetary gear drive. I need to do more research to fully understand the gear
drive, but from this report I know that it is a way to combine both of the sources of
power (pedal and electric). There is an explanation of the gear ratios of the planetary
gear, as well as a picture of the planetary gear. It appears that they use a gear train
before driving the sprocket in order to incorporate both power sources. This is just to

outperform the existing hybrid bicycles, and does so well.

Application

This is useful for my topic and anyone interested in a planetary gear system. Since I
am thinking about using a hybrid, it also shows other types that may be worth
investigating. I can use this in many ways, and it is a credible source as it came from
the United States government.

http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/11000/11000/11066/KLK320-KLK321.prn.pdf
Vincer. (n.d.). Method for making 3D shapes (used to make a bike fairing) [Blog post]. Retrieved
from Instructables.com website: http://www.instructables.com/id/Method-for-making3D-shapes-used-to-make-a-bike-f/
Summary
This source is about how someone can build a fairing for a bicycle using PETG or
polycarbonate plastic. It has step by step instructions on how the author made his, and
tells the reader all of the materials that are used and an approximate price. This source
also has a spreadsheet with some of the calculations the author used, as well as
pictures of hi s finished product and design.

Application To Research
This can be applied to research because it offers a viable way to create a fairing for my

project. It also offers another choice of materials that I think will work better than
what I had already been thinking of. I can use the calculations as well, and the
information on how he assembled his project. This blog site is generally reputable in
the eyes of DIY project builders, and so there is not much fear that the information is
faulty. In any case, I will only be using pieces of this project, and the PETG material is
very helpful. This also opens the possibility that I could use nptmal plastic sheets as
well for part of this fairing.
Volk, B. (n.d.). Running fast without excessive mass. Retrieved December 9, 2015, from Bill
Volk's Craziness page website: http://www.ihpva.org/Projects/WVolk/index.html
Summary
This source is someone's blog about how they made a fairing out of coroplast and a
heat gun, like Greg suggested. This source shows his different trials and different
types of fairings he made out of coroplast. It also shows the tools he used to make his
fairing, and how he made his fairings. This site documents his designs with pictures
that show what he is doing to help the reader better understand.

Application
This source can be applied to my research because it shows how someone made a
similar fairing out of the same material I plan on using. I can use the methods he used
to make a similar fairing out of the same material, and I can find out how most people
shape this fairing and what is most effective. The pictures documenting his journey
also help show how to use this material and the tools associated with it.

Vortex Generators. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2015, from Team UV website:

http://teamuv.org/2014/08/14/vortex-generators/
Summary:
This website is the homepage for a college team looking to improve underwater
vehicles. It has a part about why golf balls have better efficiency moving through air
than undimpled balls. It explains tat the dimples create turbulence aroung the ball, and
reduce drag behind it. It says that drag is wen the air curled back behind the ball in a
vortex, and this naturally slows the object down. On a golf ball, however, this drag is
reduced due to the dimples and therefore can move through air faster and steadier.

Application: This can be applied to my research because adding golf ball type dimples
is an idea I have been toying with, and if I decide to use a material on the shell that
can create those, then this resource would be very usefully in understanding how this
works. However, I cannot find out how the size of the dimples affects this, and this
would be a thing I need to investigate if I close to make this.
Waterbike the Human Powered Hydrofoil Waterbicycle. (n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2015,
from Human Powered Hydrofoils website: http://www.human-poweredhydrofoils.com/hydrofoils/waterbike/
Summary

This website is about hydrofoils and different forms of them. There are many different
types of hydrofoils, including that of the waterbike, a bicycle that travels over water. It
has many videos of these different hydrofoils, including some that the user jumps on

and others that are pedaled like a bicycle. There is a lot of information and images on
this site about hydrofoils.

Application
This is applied to my research because I am considering using a hydrofoil if I decide
to focus on water travel at all throughout the year. It seems like adding a hydrofoil
would not be difficult, and this would be a big added benefit to my vehicle. This site
would show me what others have done in the area, especially on building a bicycle
hydrofoil like I want to do.
Woodford, C. (n.d.). How do flywheels work. Retrieved from Explain that stuff website:
http://www.explainthatstuff.com/flywheels.html
Summary:
This has information on how a flywheel works. It says that in low friction settings,
some can spin for days at a time. This also tells the reader the physics behind
flywheels and how they can store energy for use shortly later. This source also has
many pictures of flywheels and the different kinds of flywheels.

Application: This source is good to show why storing energy in a spring system is
better than using a flywheel. I need this information to prove some points in my
outline. This is a very interesting article however, and I would like to look into
flywheels more for the future to see how they may help in related projects.