Glossary

=Glossary:= toc Some terms we use often on the team:

Acetone
A solvent. Used to clean grease and dirt off of a surface about to have epoxy applied to it. WARNING: Not really good for you. Don't inhale excessive fumes.

ASME HPVC
American Society for Mechanical Engineers Human Powered Vehicle Challenge. The first competition of our year. Often held in May at the very end of exams. Utility is emphasized over speed and many ridiculous entries are present. Held in new location every year. Dominating teams are Missouri Science and Technology, Rose-Hullman Institute of Technology, Olin College and University of Toronto.

Battle Mountain
The World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) Our favorite competition. Top speed is the only criteria. Track consists of a 5 mile run up for a 200m speed trap. Sam Wittingham (Team Varna) holds the record here with a speed of 133 km/hr. Other major competitors are Team Signus, Delft Institute of Technology and the Wedge team. Takes place in Battle Mountain, Nevada every year in the second week of September right after frosh week.

Bonding
The act of attaching two surfaces to each other with an adhesive or epoxy.

Bonding Epoxy
A two part epoxy. Generally used for bonding two objects at a surface. Very strong and can resist shear forces to a greater extent than laminating epoxy. Very thick.

Cabosil
A filler. Used to reduce the slump of an epoxy or adhesive. ==WARNING:== Dangerous to inhale. Use mask and gloves. Not dangerous once mixed into epoxy.

Canopy
The transparent panel which rider sees through

Chain stay
The bottom member of the truss structure which connects to the rear dropout

CNC
Computer Numerical Control. A 3D model is created in SolidWorks and then imported into Mastercam. The Mastercam model is then sent to a CNC machine where a 3D model is cut of out a stock material, typically Styrofoam. Note: Plasterform has offered free CNC time which is typically very expensive. Note: They only use an old version of Mastercam and newer versions are not backwards compatible.

Divinycell F
A structural foam used in Bluenose. It is closed cell which prevents epoxy from being absorbed and thus keeps the support structure as light as possible

Dropouts
The point at which the wheel is supported by the vehicle structure

Epoxy
Comprised of a resin and a hardener, it Does not cure until both parts are mixed at the correct proportions. Can be brushed onto raw carbon fiber to create epoxy reinforced carbon fiber. Many different kinds exist with different strengths and cure times. Note: cures faster at higher temperatures since it is a chemical reaction, not a drying process as is true with glues.

Fork
The member of vehicle which connects the steering and front wheel. Typically needs to be high strength.

Fairing (noun)
A surface or structure used to make a vehicle more aerodynamic

Fairing (verb)
The process of sanding a surface with progressively higher grit sand paper to achieve a smooth, aerodynamic finish

FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
A computational method where a surface is demoposed into smaller, simplier finite elements for which the solution can be computed individually and summed together to study the effect of something on a complicated object. Ie. On a complex surface experiencing a load.

Gunnel
See Gunwhale

Gunwale
Historically the topmost beam on the side of a boat. We use this term to define the topmost structural members on the sides of the bike running length wise, to give the sides the largest openings greater rigidity.

Laminating Epoxy
An epoxy generally used when laying up sheets of carbon fiber onto each other. Is thinner than bonding epoxy and can permeate the weave of the fabric but generally weaker.

Layup
The process of wetting carbon fiber (or other fabric) with epoxy and applying to a mould or surface

Lost Foam Mould
A manufacturing process where a Styrofoam mould of the innermost layer of carbon is CNC machined. Layers of carbon and structural foam are subsequently laid on top. Once cured, the canopy area is removed and the Styrofoam mould is removed destructively allowing for transmission to be installed.

Microballoons
A filler added to adhesives or epoxy to make them lighter. ==WARNING:== Microballoons are small glass spheres that when inhaled will collapse in your lungs causing damage. Only handle open microballoons wearing the proper safety equipment. One mixed in they are harmless.

Roll Cage
Structural member that surrounds the rider. Required for ASME HPVC. Protects rider in the event of a crash, especially a roll over.

Sandwich
A composite structure using stiff faceplates surrounding a light core. Used to make light, strong panels by increasing the second moment of area

Seat stay
The top member of truss structure which connects to the rear dropout

Surface Prep
Short for surface preparation. Done to a surface before you apply epoxy to it. First scuff the surface with sandpaper (usually) and then clean using either acetone or rubbing alcohol. After this has been done the surface is ready to have epoxy applied to it.

Transmission
The structure and components that allow rider to transmit power to the driving wheel

Unidirectional Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber where all fiber is in the same direction making it very strong but in only one direction. This is used when the direction of loading is guaranteed.

Wet
A weave is wet when it has had epoxy applied to it.

Weave
A pattern of carbon fiber where fibers are woven in a cross hatch patter. This is done to give fiber properties in two directions instead of one. Can also refer to any woven fabric commonly used: carbon fiber, kevlar etc.