Aidan Miziolek

Structures Team Member @Metropolitan Hyperloop

Toronto, ON, CA

As a structures team member, I design, build, and test structural assemblies either personally or as a team. I designed the vertical VDC and Aeroshell.The VDC is comprised of two tension shock absorbers, making it so the pod is essentially \"hanging\" on the track! This unique design uses custom 3D-printed parts and parts from McMaster-Carr. Materials include aluminum, steel, brass, PLA, and rubber. Primary joints are bushed and greased to better distribute loads and reduce friction when in motion. 3D-printing was used to make the top and bottom plates of the shock absorber with a high infill density (~85%) for strength.The aeroshell is made up of 68 individual parts sectioned so they can fit on a standard 3D printer. All parts were printed in PETG for better heat resistance due to the electrical components that are gonna be in close proximity. The inside of the shell is reinforced with fiberglass which also assists with stiffness and overall workability. The outside was finished and painted with a mesmerizing blue, black, and gold color scheme.