2021 Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC) Team

As of 4/21/21, the team has completed manufacturing and is ready to test the vehicle! Check out the “Testing” page for details of our testing plan, results, and pictures/videos!

This year’s team would like to extend a HUGE thank you to one of our advisors, Regina Cadillac, who generously donated funds, equipment, and materials to ensure the successful completion of the project.

As of 2/9/21, the complete frame materials have been received, along with numerous pieces for the drivetrain and steering systems. The team has begun manufacturing on all three of these systems, using tools such as the lathe, milling machine, drill press, mig welder, and more! Check out the “Photos” page for some manufacturing snapshots!

The team is happy to announce that they have submitted their Critical Design Report (CDR) to the ASME competition as of 1/26/21! A short presentation to ASME judges detailing their design will take place on 2/27/21!

Due to the current global state, ASME has decided to conduct all HPVC events virtually at E-Fest Digital in April of 2021. Two separate events, the Critical Design Review (CDR) competition and Innovation competition, will replace the traditional format of the competition.

• The CDR competition evaluates teams on the “maturity” and “application of sound engineering principles” in the design of their human-powered vehicle. However, manufacturing, assembly, and prototype testing is not considered in the scoring of this competition. Thus, this event encompasses all components of last year’s HPVC competition, without the manufacturing and testing portions. The grading is dependent upon both a final report and presentation to ASME judges. 
• The Innovation competition invites teams to improve upon certain areas of human-powered vehicle technology, whether it be in the design or manufacturing sectors. Similar to the CDR competition, teams will be judged upon a final report and presentation.

As of now, the team plans to pursue competing in the CDR event; however, all efforts will be made to continue past the design process to manufacture and test a fully-functioning human-powered vehicle. 

Hello! Welcome to the home webpage of The College of New Jersey’s (TCNJ) Human-Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC) Team. Our team consists of four senior mechanical engineering students, two TCNJ faculty advisors, and an alumni advisor. Our goal is to design, manufacture, and test a fully human-powered vehicle that can complete the specific challenges (see “Requirements”) as specified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) HPVC competition. We will be using this webpage to display our work and overall goals, as well as to update everyone about our progress along the way!

What is the HPVC competition?

The HPVC competition, sponsored by ASME, is an annual event put on to test the engineering design and manufacturing skills of teams constructed of undergraduate students across the world. The students’ goal is to work together, along with their faculty advisors, in order to construct an original and well-functioning human-powered vehicle. Three main components are considered in the scoring of the vehicles submitted to competition:

1. Design Evaluation – tests vehicle’s originality and functionality
2. Men’s/Women’s Sprint Races – 100m flying start race OR 200-450m drag race
3. Endurance Race – 2.5 hour relay race