Undergraduate students in the Human-Powered Vehicle (HPV) research program engage in projects focused on the design, analysis, and testing of lightweight, efficient human-powered transportation systems. Students apply principles from materials science, mechanics, and manufacturing to investigate frame design, structural integrity, and performance optimization of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles.
Research activities include experimental testing of materials and components, such as tensile and fatigue testing of frame elements, and performance evaluation of wheels, drivetrains, and suspension systems. Students also use modeling and simulation tools, including finite element analysis, to predict structural behavior and optimize designs for safety, efficiency, and durability.
Through these projects, students gain hands-on experience in engineering design, experimental measurement, data analysis, and technical communication, while contributing to real-world applications in sustainable transportation and human-powered mobility. Results from student research are often presented at departmental seminars, regional engineering conferences, and ASEE events.
The program is supervised by Dr. Qiuyan Li, who guides students in experimental planning, design evaluation and testing.