SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
www.BrunelX‐team.co.uk
Welcome to Brunel X‐team
Brunel X‐team is a recently established group of engineering students currently studying at Brunel University. Their goal is to design an electric powered motorcycle to enter the inaugural Isle of Man TTXGP (Time Trials Xtreme Grand Prix) competition taking place on 12th June 2009. This is the world’s first clean emission carbon free Grand Prix and Brunel University has seized the opportunity to be one of the leading universities taking part in the TTXGP. Keen to gain vital experience upon which to launch another major competitive project within the department, the University is enthusiastic in supporting the Brunel X‐team. Due to the nature of the competition and considering current climates regarding carbon emissions, the team and the University are very excited by the challenge facing us. Although the design and development of an electric bike is a demanding endeavour, the team are enthusiastic to make a successful impact on the TTXGP. Brunel X‐team are confident of achieving this by drawing upon the experiences of university staff and external support, as well as personal skills and knowledge.
Introduction
What is ?
The TTXGP is the world’s first zero emissions motorcycle race and will be held alongside the prestigious Tourist Trophy (TT) at the Isle of Man circuit. The event is designed to promote carbon free emission motorsport and encourage the competitive development of different technologies, systems and methods. Since this will be the opening event and motorsport being the leading forum for new ideas and designs, the TTXGP is an ideal showcase of visions for the future. More information regarding the competition is available at www.ttxgp.com .
Project Concept
The project will utilise a motorcycle from the current market as a base donor vehicle for reference and minor ancillaries. Major aspects of the motorcycle will then be analysed, redesigned and tested to adhere to the rules of the TTXGP and optimise performance accordingly. This will include the design and development of a bespoke frame to house the powertrain and optimise dynamic performance with the aim of minimising weight through the application of advanced computational and physical analysis.
The Team
The BX‐09 team is headed by four final‐year MEng (Masters of Engineering) students from the department of Mechanical Engineering at Brunel University. Additionally, a group of Level 3 students will be responsible for designing components for BX‐09 and developing ideas for BX‐10. Having a keen interest in motorcycles and alternative energy sources, the team were enthusiastic to enter the first TTXGP event and made a successful proposal to the University for BX‐09 to become the focus of a major project. The team intends to continue their personal high standards achieved throughout previous years, which should ensure a successful entry to the TTXGP.
Project Supervisor Mr. Chris Brown Second Supervisor Dr. Koen Matthys Technical Consultant Dr. Efstathios Velenis Technical Consultant Dr. Roger Powell
Powertrain
Batteries, Final Drive & Controls
Chassis and Chassis Systems Chassis Design Tom Pegg Vehicle Dynamics Jamie McCombe
Motor, Simulation & Controls
James Owen (Team Leader)
Dafydd Broom
Workshop Technician Mr. Peter Wilson
Meet the Team
Dafydd Broom has returned to Brunel University after a summer internship with Subaru World Rally Team at Prodrive and also worked at Mitsubishi Motorsports during his placement year. Dafydd’s interests lie in simulation and mechatronics. Although not currently a motorbike rider, Dafydd has a keen interest in motorcycle design and hopes to learn to ride in the future.
Jamie McCombe has completed a placement as a Design Engineer at Delphi, focusing on venturi optimisation in diesel pumps. He has also successfully designed an electronic gear shifter system for the University’s Formula Student team. Jamie intends to build upon his knowledge of motorcycle dynamics through application in the design and manufacture of BX‐09.
Meet the Team
James Owen has skills in handling large complex projects having completed a year as a Project Manager at Nissan. As well as managerial experience, James also brings a developing knowledge of electronics, which he highlighted last year by designing a power generation system for a solar car. James is a keen rider with track experience, so will be looking to combine his motorcycling with developing his engineering skills.
Tom Pegg returned to the University after spending his year in industry as a Chassis Design Engineer at Triumph Motorcycles. During his placement, he was able to apply his academic skills in a practical environment. Tom’s experience in riding motorcycles both on and off‐road will aid realistic and applicable engineering designs for BX‐09.
Brunel University
Brunel is a world‐class university based in Uxbridge, West London. Born just 40 years ago, Brunel prides itself in combining academic rigour with a practical and imaginative approach pioneered by our namesake Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Having such a prestigious icon in history at the figurehead of Brunel, the University takes particular pride in its School of Engineering and Design, which is typically ranked amongst the highest in the UK. The University will be providing an initial budget to help kick‐start the project, but the Brunel X‐team will have to depend upon utilising their sponsorship skills and successfully obtain backing from external sources in order for the project to succeed. Although some financial support will be supplied by the University, the Brunel X‐team will benefit from technical support from some of the department’s widely recognised experts in all fields of mechanical and electrical engineering. Furthermore, the department’s vast equipment and technical support staff will be made available to the team, as well as a dedicated space for them to work.
Marketing and Sponsorship
As a new, modern team entering into such a topical, high profile sporting event the opportunities for a sponsor carry great potential. Incentives include: • advertising on the website, clothing and bike • the provision of services and resources, such as free research and development or testing by the team • the possibility of using the bike for events, advertising and attending test sessions. Additionally, not only can the advertising be a unidirectional agreement, but the sponsorship of an institute of higher education implementing the use of green energy is obviously a well respected venture. The team are employing a policy whereby both financial and non‐financial support are regarded as equally important and commercial advantages will be shared based upon an equivalency contribution system. Brunel X‐team hopes that this communication has been well received and we look forward to hearing from you so that a specific marketing strategy can be established. Please feel free to monitor our progress on our website, which has a regularly updated gallery, blog and details regarding the team.
Contact
Brunel X‐team Michael Sterling Building (Room ML160) School of Engineering and Design Brunel University Uxbridge Middlesex UB8 3PH
Email: info@BrunelX‐team.co.uk Web: www.BrunelX‐team.co.uk