π About Me
Iβm a graduating Mechanical Engineer who thrives at the intersection of analysis, fabrication, and rapid prototyping. My process typically starts with rough hand sketches, moves into CAD/FEA validation, and ends with a welded, tested machine on the track. I enjoy costβoptimised builds, making clever use of recycled parts, and documenting everything so the next iteration is faster and cheaper. When the lab lights are off, Iβm probably playing bass guitar or helping with STEM outreach.
π 2025 Acadiana 500 Trike β At a Glance
| Item | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Event | Acadiana 500 Tricycle Relay (New Iberia, LA) |
| Result | π₯ 1st place overall β swept all five heats with zero penalties |
| Total weight | 35β―lb (15.9β―kg) |
| Peak speed (test) | 14β15β―mph (β24β―km/h) |
| Drive rule | Front-wheel, direct pedal β no chain/gears allowed |
| Frame materials | Salvaged 1020 steel bicycle frame, TIGβwelded 4130 tube rear section |
| Rear axle | 4140 steel shaft, heat-treated, running in brass bushings & sealed bearings |
| FEA peak Οvm | 2.80Γ108β―N/mΒ² (under 850β―N combined load) β FoS ββ―2.2 |
| Static tip angle | 23Β° (critical lateral stability of ~0.42β―g) |
| Budget | $120 total β recycled parts + sponsor support |
| Sponsors | Raising Caneβs, Metal Shark Boats, UL Lafayette College of Engineering |
π οΈ Design & Build Process
- Concept & Constraints: Evaluate race rules (width 20β―in, seat height 25β―in, frontβdrive only).
- Reuse Strategy: Strip a donor bike (frame, fork, bars). Model geometry for compliance and ergonomics.
- Rear Assembly: Design a TIGβwelded 4130 tube structure around a 4140 axle with custom bushings.
- Analysis: Run FEA on welded joints and axle; verify lateral stability with tipβangle calculations.
- Manufacturing: CNC lathe the bushings and spacers, weld the frame, fabricate the seat post & Tβsupport.
- Testing: Measure lap times, tweak ergonomics for faster transitions, and reinforce highβstress nodes.
- Race Day: No mechanical failures, smooth rider swaps, consistent speed β 1st place victory.
π RaceβDay Moments
π¬ Letβs Talk Engineering
Interested in lightweight structures, rapid prototyping, or student competition vehicles? Iβm always open to new challenges and collaborations.